A three-dimensional finite element modelling of human chest injury following front or side impact loading

Based on anatomical features of a 50th percentile adult male, three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) models of ribs, sternum, vertebrae, intervertebral discs, clavicle, scapula, pelvis, skin, head, muscles and limbs were developed in this study. After integrating/assembling various organs and tissues, a bio-mechanical FE model of the human body with adult male characteristics was produced. Furthermore, a chest frontal and lateral collision theory model was built and was validated by using previously published data from corpse frontal and lateral chest impact collision experiments. Good agreements were found between the simulation results of our model and the experimental data as well as theoretical calculations in the contact force, sternum displacement, and force-displacement response. These data suggest that this 3D FE model is effective and has good bio-fidelity in assessing chest biomechanical responses and thoracic injuries upon impact loading. Therefore this model can potentially be useful for evaluating thoracic injuries in car crashes and assessing chest rib fractures and internal organ/tissue damages.