Investigation of blast-induced cerebrospinal fluid cavitation: Insights from a simplified head surrogate

Blast induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) has been a prevalent in recent conflicts. Post-mortem studies have shown damage the tissue close to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bTBI cases compared non-blast TBI cases. CSF cavitation is potential mechanism for this brain/CSF interface injury. In study, our aim was explore possibility and of blast cavitation. We first developed one-dimensional simplified human head surrogate exposed it nonlethal waves using shock tube. High-speed videography pressure sensors data showed formation collapse simulant. Then, we explored finite element model surrogate. found that transmitting through skull (outer wave) simulants (inner are responsible generation bubbles, respectively. Next, used insight detailed model. The simulations verified role inner outer Our results suggested likely happen under loading. Finally, studied models with different lengths. length significantly affected cavitation, indicating drawback small animals study head. findings can improve understanding after exposure inform design protection systems animal tests.