Dynamic photoelastic model analysis of impact to the human skull

A joint experimental and mathematical study of nonpenetrating impacts to the human head has been undertaken. The experimental aspects of the study are reported here along with a brief summary of the mathematical approach. Experimentally, dynamic photoelastic evaluations of two types of phenomenological models have been studied and are reported: (1) wave propagation through a porous, three-layered skull; and (2) wave propagation in a simplified concentric ring and disk model of the skull and brain. Both models are subjected to pressure impact from an exploding wire. Observations of the behavior of these models have been used to aid in the development of a two-dimensional mathematical analysis of direct head impact. The photoelastic concentric ring and disk model also demonstrates the relationship between the experimental and mathematical modelling techniques.