The detachment or tearing of the retina in the human eye as a result of a collision is a phenomenon that occurs often. To better understand this phenomenon, the University of Cassino developed a Finite Element (FE) model starting from 3D measurements of real human eyes. The model, validated through a comparison of the simulation results against measured data available in literature, was then used to study the intensity of the dynamic stress waves produced during the impact with a steel projectile, in order to assess the primary source of retina failures.
"The results of the Dytran simulations indicate that the laceration of the retina mainly occurs due to the tension resulting from the reflection of compression waves in the moments immediately following the impact, and not necessarily due to the deformation of the whole eye," said Nicola Bonora, Professor of Mechanical Design at the University of Cassino. "The availability of a reliable and validated model for the simulation enabled us to understand in detail the pathogenesis of the blunt impact phenomenon, which is particularly difficult to reproduce in a controlled and instrumented manner through physical tests in the laboratory."
"Dytran was selected from the different explicit solvers available on the market mainly because of its advanced fluid-structure interaction capabilities," added Nicola Bonora. "Practical applications of this study are found especially in the military industry, for example in the design of advanced safety and protection systems for personnel and for helicopter pilots in the event of a crash landing."
"It is deeply gratifying when simulation can play an important role in understanding phenomena of the human body and aid in research that can improve our quality of life," said Dominic Gallello, President & CEO at MSC Software.
About University of Cassino, Italy
The University of Cassino was founded in 1979. Due to its geographical location, it occupies a strategic location between all main cities in Central Italy. The University is composed of five main schools: Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Law, and Physical Education. It has 12,000 students and 336 professors and researchers distributed in 7 departments with 47 laboratories. The students can choose between 18 undergraduate programs, 14 master degree programs and 8 doctoral programs. The University has a strong international presence both in terms of research and educational activities. In fact, the School of Engineering has a double degree program in collaboration with the New York Polytechnic Institute and the International Ph.D. program Erasmus Mundus. For additional information, please visit:
http://www.eng.unicas.it
About MSC Software
MSC Software is one of the ten original software companies and the worldwide leader in multidiscipline simulation. As a trusted partner, MSC Software helps companies improve quality, save time and reduce costs associated with design and test of manufactured products. Academic institutions, researchers, and students employ MSC technology to expand individual knowledge as well as expand the horizon of simulation. MSC Software employs 1,000 professionals in 20 countries. For additional information about MSC Software's products and services, please visit:
www.mscsoftware.com
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