Viscoelastic computational modeling of the human head‐neck system: Eigenfrequencies and time‐dependent analysis

• Published in: International journal for numerical methods in biomedical engineering Vol. 34; no. 1
• Main Authors: Boccia, E., Gizzi, A., Cherubini, C., Nestola, M. G. C., Filippi, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.01.2018
• Subjects: Biomedical materials; Brain; computational modeling; Computational neuroscience; Computed tomography; Computer applications; Computer simulation; Continuum modeling; Elasticity; Finite element method; finite elements; Head; Head - anatomy & histology; Head - diagnostic imaging; Head - physiology; human head‐neck system; Humans; Magnetic resonance; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mathematical models; Models, Anatomic; Models, Theoretical; Neck; Neck - anatomy & histology; Neck - diagnostic imaging; Neck - physiology; Neuroimaging; Resonant frequencies; Soft tissues; Sound waves; structural acoustics and vibration; Three dimensional models; Time dependent analysis; Tissues; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Viscoelasticity; Wave attenuation; computational modeling; human head-neck system; finite elements; viscoelasticity; structural acoustics and vibration
• ISSN: 2040-7939; 2040-7947; 2040-7947
• DOI: 10.1002/cnm.2900

A subject‐specific 3‐dimensional viscoelastic finite element model of the human head‐neck system is presented and investigated based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance biomedical images. Ad hoc imaging processing tools are developed for the reconstruction of the simulation domain geometry and the internal distribution of bone and soft tissues. Material viscoelastic properties are characterized point‐wise through an image‐based interpolating function used then for assigning the constitutive prescriptions of a heterogenous viscoelastic continuum model. The numerical study is conducted both for modal and time‐dependent analyses, compared with similar studies and validated against experimental evidences. Spatiotemporal analyses are performed upon different exponential swept‐sine wave–localized stimulations. The modeling approach proposes a generalized, patient‐specific investigation of sound wave transmission and attenuation within the human head‐neck system comprising skull and brain tissues. Model extensions and applications are finally discussed. A subject‐specific human head‐neck system is studied based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance dataset. Eigenfrequencies and time‐dependent analysis are performed via finite element method. Pixel‐based mechanical and viscoelastic properties are assigned.