Analyzing Head Impact Data and Visualization of Brain Strain Through Removal of Rigid Body Motion
Open Access
Author:
Brown, Bennett
Area of Honors:
Mechanical Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Reuben H Kraft, Thesis Supervisor Daniel Humberto Cortes Correales, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Brain Concussion Strain
Abstract:
This Thesis discusses the creation of a “Follow Plane” code. This code will lead to a model on Dr. Rueben Kraft’s Brain Simulation Platform. This platform uses sensor data from mouthguards fitted with accelerometers to determine strain on the brain from head trauma. The platform processes data and turns it into useful numbers and graphs that can help with the diagnosing of concussions. Currently it has numerous models that show different metrics associated with inputted head impact data. The “Follow Plane” code will create a model of strain across the brain through individual impacts. Brain Strain is the leading numerical measurement that can help diagnose concussions. This Thesis addresses the background to this project, the creation of this code, the results of this code and how it can be used. This project and the growing field of computational biomechanics are important because they can help detect concussions sooner, with numerical evidence and will also help doctors better understand the relationship between impact data and the presence of concussions.
