Application of a mathematical model of a human lower limb for modeling shock-wave effects of contact explosion

A simulation finite-element model of the destruction process of biomaterials of the human musculoskeletal system under shock-wave effects of a contact explosion is substantiated to predict the nature and extent of damage to the lower limbs, including designing special explosion-proof shoes. The physical and mechanical properties of the biological tissues of human lower limbs and their behavior under local shock-wave action were analyzed. The mechanical behavior of each biological material as part of a mathematical model of a human lower limb was selected. The original finite-element model of the human lower limb symmetrically interacted with the main components of its anatomical structures. The developed computational model was verified using data obtained from the results of experiments on mechanical and shock-wave effects. A specialized program for processing the received data was created, which implements an algorithm for processing received graphic images of changes in pressure indicators and accelerations over time to obtain tolerance curves. Several numerical calculations were performed to simulate contact detonation through the protective composition of the developed model of the lower limb. Pressure and acceleration tolerance curves were derived from the results of the calculations, animations of the behavior of anatomical structures of the lower limb under shock-wave action were created, and the propagation of the pressure field within them was visualized. In the future, the proposed method of conducting “virtual” tests can be employed to solve application issues of testing to protect the lower extremities of sappers. In general, the use of computer modeling techniques will help reduce the time and cost of producing new samples of protective products in the interests of the country’s defense capability.