Multiscale modelling of DAI
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most deleterious forms of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which are thought to occur as a result of the application of rapid rotational loads onto the head.
In the literature, injury thresholds have been proposed both at the whole brain level and at the tissue level. Nonetheless, recent findings show that the key to a full understanding (and possible treatment) of DAI might arise from a more consistent examination of the observed, but not explained yet, mechanical outcomes at the cellular level.
The goal of this research project is to develop a finite element micro scale model of the neuronal cell’s most vulnerable compartment, the axon, including its relevant substructures. This will be used in cascade to the multi scale KTH head model to simulate cases of concussion and DAI and hence to better understand the effects of macroscopic mechanical loads on the internal micro-structure.
This PhD project is part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovation Training Network (European Union’s Horizon 2020 grant agreement No. 642662) HEADS (Head protection: a European training network for Advanced Designs in Safety).
Contacts
In collaboration with:
HEADS is a consortium with six partners, three industry and three academic, across five countries, who are already involved in EU COST Actions and CEN, ASTM and ISO Standards activities in working towards new helmet standards incorporating oblique impacts: KU Leuven (Belgium), KTH (Sweden), University College Dublin (Ireland), Charles Owen (UK), AGV (Italy) and Lazer Sport (Belgium).