Blast Injury and Protective Equipment

BTG Research work in blast injury has focused on elucidating three independent mechanisms of blast-induced TBI (direct blast wave penetration of the cranium, reaching the cranium via a thoracic mechanism, and acceleration-induced TBI). We have found considerable support for a thoracic mechanism in research related to blast injury, behind armor blunt trauma, and ballistic pressure waves and published results on exposure thresholds likely to lead to TBI via a thoracic mechanism.

Current work is directed toward improving laboratory models for the experimental study of blast injury and the development, selection, and testing of more effective body armor to reduce blast wave penetration into the head and thoracic cavity.  Toward this end we have developed a series of laboratory scale shock tubes that are useful for blast experiments.

The figure at left is from our paper Working toward exposure thresholds for blast-induced traumatic brain injury: thoracic and acceleration mechanisms.   It illustrates results of animal experiments and human epidemiological studies that suggest a range of peak pressures and positive pulse durations likely to lead to blast-induced TBI via a thoracic mechanism.

Papers

Development and characterization of laboratory scale shock tubes for studies of blast wave effects.

A thoracic mechanism of mild traumatic brain injury due to blast pressure waves.

A table-top blast driven shock tube.