A computational model of blast loading on the human eye

Biomech Model Mechanobiol. 2014 Jan;13(1):123-40. doi: 10.1007/s10237-013-0490-3. Epub 2013 Apr 17.

Abstract

Ocular injuries from blast have increased in recent wars, but the injury mechanism associated with the primary blast wave is unknown. We employ a three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction computational model to understand the stresses and deformations incurred by the globe due to blast overpressure. Our numerical results demonstrate that the blast wave reflections off the facial features around the eye increase the pressure loading on and around the eye. The blast wave produces asymmetric loading on the eye, which causes globe distortion. The deformation response of the globe under blast loading was evaluated, and regions of high stresses and strains inside the globe were identified. Our numerical results show that the blast loading results in globe distortion and large deviatoric stresses in the sclera. These large deviatoric stresses may be indicator for the risk of interfacial failure between the tissues of the sclera and the orbit.

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Eye / metabolism*
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Humans