Three-Dimensional Human-Head Model using VOXEL Approach Developed for Head-Injury Analysis

In this paper, a three-dimensional human-head model was developed using the VOXEL approach. The human-head VOXEL model is based on 433 scanned images (512 × 512 pixels) taken by CT (Computed Tomography). The precision of the head model depends on the resolution of slice images. The number of elements is then defined by the resolution and number of slice images. The maximum number of elements for a human-head VOXEL model developed from slice images is about 40.0 million. This model included the scalp, soft tissue, subarachnoid space, eyes, skull, brain, falx cerebri, dura mater, tentorium cerebelli and ventricles. All of these biological tissues were modeled as tiny cubic elements with one-point integration. To investigate the relation between CPU time and the number of elements, finite-element analysis was conducted using an original finite-element analysis code. Direct-impact analysis was conducted frontally on the human-head VOXEL model by a cylinder to simulate the cadaveric tests.