Micromechanics of diffuse axonal injury: influence of axonal orientation and anisotropy

• DOI: 10.1007/s10237-010-0243-5
• Publication Date: 2010-07-15T04:34:25Z
• Authors: R. J. H. Cloots; J. A. W. van Domm...; T. Nyberg; S. Kleiven; M. G. D. Geers
• Keywords: Diffuse axonal injury; Micromechanics; Strain (injury); Brain tissue

Multiple length scales are involved in the development of traumatic brain injury, where global mechanics head level responsible for local physiological impairment cells. In this study, a relation between mechanical state at tissue and cellular is established. A model has been developed that based on pathological observations axonal injury. The contains axons surrounding an obstacle (e.g., blood vessel or soma). axons, which described by anisotropic fiber-reinforced material model, have several physically different orientations. results simulations reveal strains being higher than applied maximum principal strain. For with relatively stiff inclusion, relative logarithmic strain increase above 60%. Furthermore, it concluded individual oriented away from main direction specific site can be subjected to even stress-driven process, e.g., invoked inertial forces brain. These about 2.5 times over complete range loading directions. indicate heterogeneities important influence strain, leading orientation location-dependent sensitivity loads. Therefore, these effects should accounted injury assessments relying finite element models.