Brain response of a computational head model for prescribed skull kinematics and simulated football helmet impact boundary conditions

Computational human body models (HBM) present a novel approach to predict brain response in football impact scenarios, with prescribed kinematic boundary conditions for the HBM skull typically used at present. However, computational optimization of helmets requires simulation coupled helmet and model; which is much more complex has not been assessed context deformation existing simplified approaches. In current study, two resulting deformations were compared using head model: (1) kinematics (PK) condition measured from experimental impacts; (2) detailed neck, linear impactor (HBM-S). While lateral rear impacts exhibited similar levels maximum principal strain (MPS) tissue both conditions, differences noted frontal orientation (at 9.3 m/s, MPS was 0.39 PK, 0.54 HBM-S). Importantly, PK HBM-S produced distribution throughout each considered. Within corpus callosum thalamus, high associated lower values impacts. The good correspondence encouraging future designs. A limitation need data, while can varying configurations, potential as tool improve protection performance.