A Three-Dimensional Head-Neck Model: Validation for Frontal and Lateral Impacts

The three-dimensional head-neck model of Deng and Goldsmith (J. Biomech., 1987) was adapted and implemented in the integrated multibody/finite element code MADYMO. The model comprises rigid head and vertebrae, connected by linear viscoelastic intervertebral joints and nonlinear elastic muscle elements. It was elaborately validated by comparing model responses with the responses of human volunteers subjected to frontal and lateral sled acceleration impacts. Fair agreement was found for both impacts. Further, a sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of parameter variations on model response. The model proved satisfactory and may be used as a tool to improve restraint systems or dummy necks.