Hip impact of the FE-model THUMS : Model adaptation and validation followed by an evaluation of the KTH developed shock absorbing floor system

Sammanfattning: Abstract Fall accidents leads to an average of three deaths a day in Sweden. The high mortality and morbidity associated with falls among elderly is due to a high risk of falling caused by impaired mobility, sight and balance in combination with increased vulnerability as a result of fragile bones as well as comorbid conditions. Researchers at the department of Neuronics at KTH has developed a shock-absorbing floor that aim to reduce the risk of fall related fractures. The floors has shown promising results in mechanical drop tests but requires further analysis before it can be implemented in retirement homes. The goal of this master thesis is to refine, adapt and validate the finite element model THUMS 4.02 for fall simulations. The model will then be used to analyze the shock absorbing ability of various floor systems. Model adaptations included modification of the material properties of the adipose tissue and cartilage in the hips and implantation of tied internal contacts. Validation was performed against data from two experimental studies selected in a literature study, dynamic impact with isolated pelvis and lateral hip impact of complete PMHS. The experimental setups were reproduced in LS-Dyna and relatively close agreement for the force curves could be displayed in both cases. The model also showed realistic force response for fall simulations and a force reduction with up to 23% in simulation to the KTH developed floor system, differences could be seen for different fall positions of the model. Fall simulations agreed well with clinically and scientifically documented fracture loads and patterns. Further studies needs to be performed to further validate the model and analyze effect of different geometrical properties of floor system.