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Computation of history-dependent mechanical damage of axonal fiber tracts in the brain: towards tracking sub-concussive and occupational damage to the brain

Jesse I. Gerber, View ORCID ProfileHarsha T. Garimella, View ORCID ProfileReuben H. Kraft
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/346700
Jesse I. Gerber
1Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Harsha T. Garimella
3CFD Research Corporation, 701 McMillian Way NW, Huntsville, AL 35806. USA
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Reuben H. Kraft
1Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
2Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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  • For correspondence: reuben.kraft@psu.edu
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ABSTRACT

Finite element models are frequently used to simulate traumatic brain injuries. However, current models are unable to capture the progressive damage caused by repeated head trauma. In this work, we propose a method for computing the history-dependent mechanical damage of axonal fiber bundle tracts in the brain. Through the introduction of multiple damage models, we provide the ability to link consecutive head impact simulations, so that potential injury to the brain can be tracked over time. In addition, internal damage variables are used to degrade the mechanical response of each axonal fiber bundle element. As a result, the stiffness of the aggregate tissue decreases as damage evolves. To counteract this degenerative process, we have also introduced a preliminary healing model that reverses the accumulated damage, based on a user-specified healing duration. Using two detailed examples, we demonstrate that damage produces a significant decrease in fiber stress, which ultimately propagates to the tissue level and produces a measurable decrease in overall stiffness. These results suggest that damage modeling has the potential to enhance current brain simulation techniques and lead to new insights, especially in the study of repetitive head injuries.

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The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Posted June 14, 2018.
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Computation of history-dependent mechanical damage of axonal fiber tracts in the brain: towards tracking sub-concussive and occupational damage to the brain
Jesse I. Gerber, Harsha T. Garimella, Reuben H. Kraft
bioRxiv 346700; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/346700
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Computation of history-dependent mechanical damage of axonal fiber tracts in the brain: towards tracking sub-concussive and occupational damage to the brain
Jesse I. Gerber, Harsha T. Garimella, Reuben H. Kraft
bioRxiv 346700; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/346700

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