Head-Supported
Mass
Head-supported mass (HSM) poses an unquantified risk to the
safety of military personnel. Research
studies are currently being performed that minimize the risk of serious neck
injury from HSM, such as night vision goggles. Injuries from HSM can range from minor muscle and ligament
strains to more serious cervical spine damage.
A computational model is being developed for use in evaluating HSM
induced neck loading under impact conditions.
The model results will be verified against experimental testing performed
in collaboration with the University of Virginia Center for Applied
Biomechanics. Once validated, the
computational model will allow for systematic evaluation of various HSM
configurations, ultimately determining injury risk and the appropriate limits
for HSM configurations.
Virginia
Tech / Wake Forest University Center for Injury Biomechanics