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The Role of Transient Vibration and Skull Properties on Concussion: A Computational Analysis

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Abstract

Introduction

Concussion is commonly described as a disruption of brain function usually produced by a direct or indirect impact to the head and is generated by linear and rotational acceleration. Skull resonant frequencies of around 450 Hz (the maximum mechanical impedance of brain tissue) may also play a part in concussion through the propagation of vibration into the brain.

Objectives

The overall goal of this work is to gain a better understanding of the role of transient vibration of the skull on concussions.

Methods

A natural frequency investigation was conducted to develop a simplified material map (single layer) based on a three-layer skull material model. The identified material properties were then applied to 45 skull CT scans and modal analysis was conducted to determine their natural frequencies. The relationship between different densities and Young’s Modulus versus natural frequencies were tested. Skull thickness was also analyzed, and shape analysis was conducted using principal component analysis, independent component analysis, and k-means.

Results

A direct correlation between density, Young’s Modulus, and thickness with variations in natural frequency behavior was found. No correlation was found between the shape of the skull and natural frequency.

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Data availability

The dataset used in this study, is openly available at: CQ500 http://headctstudy.qure.ai/dataset.

Abbreviations

CT:

Computerized tomography

DAI:

Diffuse axonal injury

FE:

Finite element

GPa:

Gigapascal

ICA:

Independent component analysis

ICs:

Independent components

PCA:

Principal component analysis

PCs:

Principal components

STL:

Standard tessellation language

TBI:

Traumatic brain injury

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Acknowledgements

Data were provided by the qure.ai CQ500 dataset.

Funding

No external funding was used for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Craniofacial Injury and Concussion Research Laboratory, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada

    Rodrigo Dalvit Carvalho da Silva, Thomas Richard Jenkyn & Victor Alexander Carranza

  2. School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada

    Rodrigo Dalvit Carvalho da Silva & Thomas Richard Jenkyn

  3. Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada

    Thomas Richard Jenkyn

  4. School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada

    Thomas Richard Jenkyn

  5. Wolf Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada

    Thomas Richard Jenkyn

  6. School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Collaborative Specialization in Musculoskeletal Health Research, and Bone and Joint Institute, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada

    Victor Alexander Carranza

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  1. Rodrigo Dalvit Carvalho da Silva
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RDCS: conceptualization, methodology, software, writing. TRJ: project administration. VAC: review and editing.

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Correspondence to Rodrigo Dalvit Carvalho da Silva.

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Dalvit Carvalho da Silva, R., Jenkyn, T.R. & Carranza, V.A. The Role of Transient Vibration and Skull Properties on Concussion: A Computational Analysis. J. Vib. Eng. Technol. 11, 1807–1819 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42417-022-00672-z

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