Stress Propagation in the Craniofacial Skeleton on Frontal Impact-A Virtual Simulation Study.

BACKGROUND: The research paper emphasizes on virtual simulation of craniofacial skeleton to understand its Biomechanics.

METHODS: In this study, a 3D finite element model of the skull was created using CT scan data. All complexities of the skull geometry are simulated using ABAQUS software. The model was validated and then, subjected to frontal impact. Energy plots for the same were obtained. Impact analysis was done, and weak areas susceptible to fracture and hence, failure are identified.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION: One of the emerging areas of applications of computational bio-mechanics is to understand the behavior of the skull during a traumatic injury, such as head impact during accidents. Finite element study is one such part where significant amount of research is being carried out to understand and predict the craniofacial injuries. For the head and brain trauma analysis, there are many software packages available, including ANSYS, LS-DYNA and ABAQUS. Research is being carried out towards developing high-fidelity human models, especially of the human skull to understand the bio-mechanical behavior when subjected to external impact. Impact analysis done in our study showed that a small change in impact velocity can result in a large change in damage that can happen.

CONCLUSION: The study is expected to complement the existing treatment methodologies. Further, appropriate knowledge of fracture biomechanics can be used to design and develop safety measures in automobiles, sport guards, helmets to prevent and reduce facial injuries.