Citation

Privitzer E, Belytschko T. Math. Model. 1980; 1(2): 189-209.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0270-0255(80)90037-8

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A three-dimensional, discrete mathematical model of the human spine, torso, and head is decribed. The model consists of a system of rigid bodies representing the head, vertebrae, pelvis, and viscera, interconnected by deformable elements representing the intervertebral discs, ligaments, and other connective tissues. The model is a modified version of a previously developed head-spine model, the primary modifications being the incorporation of a detailed representation of the viscera-abdominal wall system and the determining of more accurate model damping parameters. Driving point impedances for vertical (+Gz) excitation were numerically determined for both the modified and the older model and compared to experimentally obtained driving point impedances of human volunteers. It is shown that the modified model's impedance is in much better agreement with the experimental results than that of the older model.