An investigation into the use and limitations of different spatial integration schemes and finite element software in head impact analyses

To understand the mechanopathogenesis of brain lesions, finite element (FE) head models are used. There is a broad range of material properties, contact interfaces and integration schemes used for the different parts in current FE head models. The effect of material behaviour and contact definitions on a head impact analysis is reported in the literature, whereas the effect of FE integration schemes is a rather unexplored domain. This paper starts with the development of a simplified head model to which small adaptations are made in the integration scheme to obtain multiple analyses that are compared using an accident reconstruction. The performed study highlighted potential hazards of different integration schemes and the significant effect they have on the simulated mechanical responses of the head. Based on a comparison between FE softwares using an impact test and patch test, it was seen that also the software could have an effect on the FE analysis results.