Computational simulation of projectile injuries to human parietal bone using finite element analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological and biomechanical characteristics of a wound entrance on the parietal bone from the impact of projectiles presenting three different calibres. Three-dimensional finite element models of dry human skull and of three projectiles with calibres .380 Auto, .40 S&W and 9 × 19 mm Luger were obtained. These geometries were used to perform a simulation of projectile impact on the parietal bone by the finite element method. We calculated the morphological aspect of the wounds on the external bone surface, the equivalent von Mises stress and the kinetic energy loss. The wounds from the 9 × 19 mm and .380 calibres presented a circular aspect, while the wound from the .40 calibre presented an oval aspect. The 9 × 19 mm caused a major wound area compared with the other calibres. The maximum von Mises stress in the bone was higher from the .40 calibre penetration, and the .380 had the major kinetic energy loss. In conclusion, the 9 × 19 mm and .380 presented similarity in the shape of the entrance hole. The projectile with 9 × 19 mm calibre seems to have greater penetration power and the .40 S&W projectile greater power of destruction and dissipation of energy