Numerical Analysis of the Risk of Pelvis Injuries Under Multidirectional Impact Load

This work presents the results of a numerical analysis of the pelvic ring model subjected to multidirectional impact impulse loading. The action mechanism behind widespread pelvic fractures resulting from combined lateral, vertical, and longitudinal forces has not been sufficiently explained in the literature yet. The elaborated finite element model of the human pelvis based on CT scans contains a bi-layered structure of bone, varying stiffness of pelvic ligaments and hyperelastic behavior of cartilage. The numerical analysis was performed using a force value of 10 kN, equivalent to a velocity of 12 m/s acting in the range ±45° in each direction. The performed analysis indicates the von Mises stress is concentrated in the femur under lateral–vertical impact load, in the frontal part of the pelvic ring under vertical–lateral, and in the wings of the ilium under lateral–longitudinal impact load. The most extensive injuries to the pelvic ring were observed under vertical–longitudinal impact load, causing interruption of the pelvic continuity.