Development, validation and a case study: The female finite element head model (FeFEHM)

Background and objective: Traumatic brain injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. To better understand the interactions and forces applied in different constituents of the human head, several finite element head models have been developed throughout the years, for offering a good cost-effective and ethical approach compared to experimental tests. Once validated, the female finite element head model (FeFEHM) will allow a better understanding of injury mechanisms resulting in neuronal damage, which can later evolve into neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: This work encompasses the approached methodology starting from medical images and fi-nite element modelling until the validation process using novel experimental data of brain displacements conducted on human cadavers. The material modelling of the brain is performed using an age-specific characterization of the brain using microindentation at dynamic rates and under large deformation, with a similar age to the patient used to model the FeFEHM. Results: The numerical displacement curves are in good accordance with the experimental data, dis-playing similar peak times and values, in all three anatomical planes. The case study result shows a similarity between the pressure fields of the FeFEHM compared to another model, highlighting the future potential of the model. Conclusions: The initial objective was met, and a new female finite element head model has been developed with biofidelic brain motion. This model will be used for the assessment of repetitive impact scenarios and its repercussions on the female brain.(c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

Automated summary

Traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Finite element head models have been developed to understand the forces and interactions in the human head, offering a cost-effective and ethical alternative to experimental tests. The female finite element head model (FeFEHM) can provide insights into injury mechanisms and neurodegenerative diseases.