Dynamics modeling of human temporomandibular joint during whiplash

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Huang, Shyh‐Chour

Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Kaohsiung Institute of Technology, Kaohsiung,Taiwan 807, R.O.C.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to simulate the dynamic response of the temporomandibular joint forces within a rear‐end impacted vehicle. Clinicians reports symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders in many patients who have experienced vehicle rear‐end impacts. In rear‐end impact, a vehicle occupant’s head is thrust rearward with respect to the vehicle in a whiplash action. During this motion, complex dynamic forces act on the jaw bone. To understand the dynamic forces acting on the jaw, we extended an existing human head/neck model by adding a movable jaw, and performed simulation of the jaw motions during rear‐end impacts at 4.2, 6.4 and 9.6 m/s. Results predicted temporomandibular joint torques, relative angle between the head and jaw, jaw angular acceleration and linear acceleration of the jaw’s center of mass.

Keywords: Temporomandibular joint, head/neck/jaw model, rear‐end impact

Journal: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 233-241, 1999