Accession Number:

ADA379713

Title:

Impact Analysis of a Biomechanical Model of the Human Thorax

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Jolly, Johannes E.

Report Date:

2000-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

134.0

Abstract:

The biomechanical response of a finite element model of the human thorax and a protective body armor system was studied under impact loading from a projectile. The objective of the study was to create a viable finite element model of the human thorax. This objective was accomplished through the construction of a three-dimensional finite element model in DYNA3D, a finite element analysis program. The model was validated by comparing the results of tests of body armor systems conducted on cadavers to results obtained from finite element analysis. A parametric study was undertaken to determine the essential components of the model. The results from this investigation determined that the path of force propagation from a body armor system to the thorax upon bullet impact is directly through the vest to the sternum and then through the skeleton to the rest of the body. Thus, any parameters that affect the components in this pathway were essential to the model. This included the muscles, their geometries, material properties, and viscosity, as well as the Youngs modulus of the sternochondral cartilage and the bones themselves.

Descriptors:

• *FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
• *BIOMECHANICS
• MATHEMATICAL MODELS
• PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
• IMPACT
• SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION
• LOADS(FORCES)
• MODULUS OF ELASTICITY
• THESES
• THORAX
• BIONICS
• BODY ARMOR

Subject Categories:

• Bionics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE