title: Dynamic simulation and preliminary finite element analysis of gunshot wounds to the human mandible.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Due to the complications arising from gunshot wounds to the maxillofacial region, traditional models of gunshot wounds cannot meet our research needs. In this study, we established a finite element model and conducted preliminary simulation and analysis to determine the injury mechanism and degree of damage for gunshot wounds to the human mandible.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on a previously developed modelling method that used animal experiments and internal parameters, digital computed tomography data for the human mandible were used to establish a three-dimensional finite element model of the human mandible. The mechanism by which a gunshot injures the mandible was dynamically simulated under different shot conditions. First, the residual velocities of the shootings using different projectiles at varying entry angles and impact velocities were calculated. Second, the energy losses of the projectiles and the rates of energy loss after exiting the mandible were calculated. Finally, the data were compared and analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The dynamic processes involved in gunshot wounds to the human mandible were successfully simulated using two projectiles, three impact velocities, and three entry angles. The stress distributions in different parts of mandible after injury were also simulated. Based on the computation and analysis of the modelling data, we found that the injury severity of the mandible and the injury efficiency of the projectiles differ under different injury conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The finite element model has many advantages for the analysis of ballistic wounds, and is expected to become an improved model for studying maxillofacial gunshot wounds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, PR China. tangzhen1999@sohu.com
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Wenbing
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tu
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yubin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lei
authors.forename: Yinghui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D044709:Forensic Ballistics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D008338:Mandibular Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot