Fluid–structure interaction analysis of cerebrospinal fluid with a comprehensive head model subject to a rapid acceleration and deceleration

ABSTRACT

Primary Objective: Closed brain injuries are a common danger in contact sports and motorized vehicular collisions. Mild closed brain injuries, such as concussions, are not easily visualized by computed imaging or scans. Having a comprehensive head/brain model and using fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations enable us to see the exact movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) under such conditions and to identify the areas of brain most affected. Research Design: The presented work is based on the first FSI model capable of simulating the interaction between the CSF flow and brain. Methods and Procedures: FSI analysis combining smoothed-particle hydrodynamics and high-order finite-element method is used. Main Outcomes and Results: The interaction between the CSF and brain under rapid acceleration and deceleration is demonstrated. The cushioning effect of the fluid and its effect on brain are shown. Conclusions: The capability to locate areas (down to the exact gyri and sulci) of the brain the most affected under given loading conditions, and therefore assess the possible damage to the brain and consequently predict the symptoms, is shown.

KEYWORDS:

• Fluid–structure interaction
• cerebral spinal fluid
• comprehensive head model
• brain injury
• deceleration
• acceleration

Declaration of interest

This study was not funded by any grant. No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.