ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews computational approaches to model the effects of blast on skeletal injury. Computational modelling is an extraordinary engineering tool that allows the inexpensive simulation of multiple physical phenomena and look into intricacies of mechanical response of structures that cannot be measured physically. The development of accurate, validated numerical/computational models can allow a cost-effective alternative to expensive experimental set-ups, as well as allow the simulation of multiple scenarios by altering modelling input parameters, specifically, geometric, material, loading and boundary parameters. Computational modelling of the lower limb at high strain rates has been developed historically for safety in the automotive industry, often aimed at simulating pedestrian or vehicle-occupant lower limb injury. Full-vehicle blast experiments on full-body cadavers or anthropometric testing devices (ATDs) offer the most realistic simulation of underbelly (UB) mine blasts. Accurate, validated computational models of the lower extremity are a cost-effective, repeatable alternative to expensive experimental set-ups.
