A Regional Finite Element Model of the Neck for Bilateral Carotid Artery Injury Assessment in Far Side Crash Configuration

Carotid artery injury due to motor vehicle crash has been attributed to direct impact to the neck and stretching of the artery. This study examines the response of a finite element model of the neck and carotid arteries given a farside vehicle impact. This regional carotid artery model was developed using existing material properties and based on a spine model developed by NHTSA. The finite element model was subjected to loading conditions derived from farside PMHS tests conducted at Medical College of Wisconsin. The PMHS tests represented four inboard belt loading conditions of the neck. The belts were located high on the neck, for maximal compression of the vessel, or low on the neck, for maximal excursion of the head. There was a low speed and a high speed test for each of the belt configurations. These boundary conditions were implemented in the model and the response of the carotid was quantified using strain measurements. The high belt configuration resulted in high compressive loading of the ipsilateral vessel with a maximum principal strain of 1.2884 for a low delta-v test. The low belt configuration resulted in higher extension of the contralateral vessel with a maximum principal strain of 1.5874 for a high delta-v test. The high speed test resulted in higher strain in the carotid arteries. Based on existing values, the model indicated likely intimal failure of the vessel in the more severe scenarios. This study demonstrates the compressive and stretching mechanisms of injury via a finite element model. This research could lead to finite element models that better predict carotid artery injury.