Finite Element Modeling of the Muscle Effects on Kinematic Responses of Head-Neck Complex in Frontal Impact at High Speed

Abstract

In the present study, a previously developed finite-element model of the neck was modified by adding the Hill-type muscle elements. The modified model was utilized to investigate the muscle effects on the kinematic responses of the head-neck complex in a frontal impact at a speed of around 60 km/h. The behavior of this model was consistent with the literature data describing kinematic responses of volunteers and cadavers subjected to such an impact. The present results suggest the following: 1) It is likely that, when the neck muscles are activated at around 25-50 ms after the start of the impact acceleration, they can significantly reduce the peak values of the head-gravity center displacements and angular acceleration in a high-speed frontal impact; and 2) When the activation of neck muscles starts at around 100 ms or later, their effects can be disregarded.