Simulation of Cumulative Exposure Statistics for Blast Pressure Transmission Into the Brain

Abstract Introduction This study develops and demonstrates an analysis approach to understand the statistics of cumulative pressure exposure of the brain to repetitive blasts events. Materials and Methods A finite element model of blast loading on the head was used for brain model biomechanical responses. The cumulative pressure exposure fraction (CPEF), ranging from 0.0 to 1.0, was used to characterize the extent and repetition of high pressures. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to generate repetitive blast cumulative exposures. Results The blast orientation effect is as influential as the blast overpressure magnitudes. A 75° (from the side) blast orientation can produce CPEF values exceeding traumatic brain injury pressure thresholds >0.95 while, for the same blast overpressure, a 0° (front) blast orientation results in a CPEF