Numerical modeling of primary thoracic trauma because of blast

Purpose: Since explosive blasts continue to cause casualties in both civil and military environments, there is a need for an understanding of the mechanisms of blast trauma at the human organ level, plus a more detailed predictive methodology. The primary goal of this research was to develop a finite element model capable of predicting primary blast injury to the lung so as to assist in the development of personal protective equipment. Materials and Methods: Numerical simulation of thorax blast loading consisted of the following components: 3D thorax modeling reconstruction, meshing and assembly of various thorax parts, blast and boundary loading, numerical solution, result extraction and data analysis. Results: By comparing the models to published experimental data, local extent of injury in the lung was correlated to the peak pressure measured in each finite element, categorized as no injury (< 60 kPa), trace (60-100 kPa), slight (100-140 kPa), moderate (140-240 kPa) and severe (> 240 kPa). It seemed that orienting the body at an angle of 45 degrees provides the lowest injury. Conclusion: The level and type of trauma inflicted on a human organ by a blast overpressure is related to many factors including: blast characteristics, body orientation, equipment worn and the number of exposures to blast loading.