Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, California Thesis Biomechanical Model of the Human Thorax for Impact Analysis

The Biomechanical response of the human thorax was studied using the finite element method by the classic stiffness method. The main focus was in validation of the model. The model was subjected to static and dynamic forces applied at the sternum. A plate was adhered to the sternum area and the model was subjected to a dynamic load to simulate an impact load similar to a projectile or bullet impact. The projectile characterized a 7.62 NATO M80 ball round. The bulletproof vest was similar in material properties to boron carbon composite. The results included the static analysis and transient analysis and the subsequent displacement due to the external loading. Stress was calculated from the displacements. The results were compared to earlier research and "live fire" tests conducted on cadavers.