Finite element modeling of the head skeleton with a new local quantitative assessment approach

The present study was undertaken to build a finite element model of the head skeleton and to perform a new assessment approach in order to validate it. The application fields for such an improved model are injury risk prediction as well as surgical planning. The geometrical reconstruction was performed using computed tomography scans and a total of 4680 shell elements were meshed on the median surface of the head skeleton with the particular characteristic of adapted mesh density and real element thickness. The assessment protocol of the finite element model was achieved using a quasi-static experimental compression test performed on the zygomatic bone area of a defleshed isolated head. Mechanical behavior of the finite element model was compared to the real one and the assessment approach was divided into two steps. First, the mechanical properties of the anatomical structure were identified using the simulation and then the simulated displacement field was compared to local displacement measurement performed during test using a digital correlation method. The assessment showed that the head skeleton model behaved qualitatively like the real structure. Quantitatively, the local relative error varied from 8% up to 70%.