The effect of adipose tissue material properties on the lap belt-pelvis interaction: A global sensitivity analysis

• Published in: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials Vol. 107; p. 103739
• Main Authors: Naseri, H., Iraeus, J., Johansson, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2020
• Subjects: Accidents, Traffic; Adipose Tissue; Biomechanical Phenomena; Global sensitivity analysis; Humans; Incompressibility; Material modeling; Pelvis; Seat Belts; Submarining; Material modeling; Global sensitivity analysis; Adipose tissue; Incompressibility; Submarining
• ISSN: 1751-6161; 1878-0180; 1878-0180
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103739

The lap belt-pelvis interaction is one of the main factors influencing the risk for abdominal and lower extremity injuries during vehicular crashes. To numerically study the lap belt-pelvis interaction, biofidelic representation of subcutaneous adipose tissue appears essential, especially for obese occupants with a thick layer of adipose tissue. Therefore, in this study, a finite element model is constructed and a newly developed material model for adipose tissue from the previous work is implemented to study the mechanism of lap belt-pelvis interaction and how subcutaneous adipose tissue affects this. Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) is used to determine which aspects of the mechanical properties of adipose tissue play a major role in the lap belt-pelvis interaction. It is found that, firstly, the incompressibility condition of adipose tissue is the most influential parameter. Secondly, the nonlinear elastic and viscoelastic properties are influential because of experiencing large deformation. The findings of this study are meaningful for vehicular injury-oriented characterization of adipose tissue as well as improving the biofidelity of finite element human body models for human safety. [Display omitted] •Finite element human body models lack a biofidelic adipose tissue material model.•The incompressibility level of adipose tissue is important in submarining simulation.•Highly nonlinear behavior of adipose tissue in lap belt-pelvis interaction.