Development of Physics-Based Model and Experimental Validation of Helmet Performance in Blast Wave TBI

Explosive devices are the main weapon of terrorist attacks and a cause of major injuries to Soldiers and civilians. Recent military medical statistics show that a significant percentage of Soldiers injured in explosion events endures blast wave traumatic brain injury (BW-TBI). In the last few years, better understandings of BW-TBI mechanisms and of improved injury protection have become of paramount importance. Most studies have taken the conventional approach of animal testing, in vitro brain tissue study, and analysis of clinical data. These, while useful and necessary, are slow, expensive, and often non-conclusive. Physiology-based mathematical modeling tools of blast wave brain injury will provide a complementary capability to study both BW-TBI mechanisms and the effectiveness of protective armor.