Experimental and simulated flexion tests of humerus
Résumé
To enhance car occupant protection during lateral impacts, experimental shoulder impacts have been realised. The simulation of these tests with a finite element method allows a better understanding of the shoulder response. Nevertheless, to simulate shoulder impacts, shoulder bone models have to be validated first. Thus, the aims of this study were firstly, to perform experimental dynamic tests on humerus, and then, to reproduce these tests by simulation in order to assess humerus models. Twelve humerus bones from six subjects (four males, two females, average age = 76) were submitted to flexion tests until failure. Drop tests were carried out with a 6 kg-mass at velocities from 1 to 2 m/s. Impact forces were recorded, and displacements were calculated through video analysis. Then, simulations were performed to compare humerus model responses under loading and experimental force–deflection data. Thus, this work provides experimental results that are used for the assessment of humerus models. The validated humerus bones could be integrated into global shoulder models for further applications such as simulation of car lateral impacts.