Response of a human head/neck/upper-torso replica to dynamic loading--II. Analytical/numerical model.

A three-dimensional lumped-parameter model of the human head/neck/upper-torso was developed to predict its motion for any specified initial conditions and that could also be used to compare with the results of other investigators. This model consists of ten rigid bodies representing the head, cervical vertebrae C1-C7, T1 and T2 combined with the rest of the torso. These rigid bodies were connected by intervertebral joints described by a stiffness matrix relating the force (moment) and translation (rotation). Fifteen pairs of muscles were incorporated in the model, represented by three-point linear elements with nonlinear constitutive relationships obtained from cadaver test results. The calculated response compared favorably with human volunteer data for both flexion and lateral whiplash. However, tests on an inanimate replica of a human indicated greater flexibility than predicted by the corresponding numerical model. The difference is believed to be due to insufficient mass of the muscles incorporated in the structure.