Development of a Lung Surrogate Model for Assessing Biomechanical Responses to Underwater Explosions (UNDEX)

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dc.contributor.authorAnbarasu Kalpana, Pradikshanen
dc.contributor.committeechairKapania, Rakesh K.en
dc.contributor.committeechairVandeVord, Pamelaen
dc.contributor.committeememberHammerand, Daniel C.en
dc.contributor.departmentAerospace and Ocean Engineeringen
dc.date.accessioned2025-01-30T09:00:11Zen
dc.date.available2025-01-30T09:00:11Zen
dc.date.issued2025-01-29en
dc.description.abstractUnderwater explosions (UNDEX) generate high-energy shock waves that pose significant risks to military personnel during training exercises and combat scenarios. The primary objective of this research is to develop a surrogate modeling framework using engineering materials to investigate the biomechanical response of lung tissue during UNDEX events. A representative lung surrogate was designed to mimic the mechanical behavior of human lungs, utilizing thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and polyurethane foam to replicate the elastic and porous nature of lung tissue and alveolar sacs. Material characterization tests were conducted to simulate quasi-static deformation through uniaxial tensile tests and dynamic loading conditions using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The viscoelastic response of the surrogate material across a wide range of temperatures and frequencies is presented. A series of UNDEX experimental tests were conducted on the surrogates using the Virginia Tech Shockwave Generator (SWG), with targeted overpressures ranging from 10 to 20 psi. The surrogates were instrumented with sensors to record changes in principal strains and internal pressures. The results were analyzed to evaluate strain and pressure trends, impulse, and potential injury mechanisms. A linear relationship was observed between shockwave impulse, peak pressure, and principal strains, while no significant differences in internal pressure dynamics were observed within the tested blast overpressure ranges.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralUnderwater explosions create powerful shockwaves that can damage ship structures, affect marine life and harm military personnel during combat scenarios. However, the effects of these shock waves on the human body are not well understood. This study aims to fill that gap by studying representative models that replicate human lungs to help us better understand how they respond in dynamic conditions. Lung models were fabricated from commercially available materials that mimic the soft and elastic nature of the human lungs. The selected materials were extensively tested to understand its behavior under both static and dynamic conditions. Additionally, blast experiments were simulated using a shockwave generator to subject the models to controlled shock waves with pressures ranging from 10 to 20 psi. Pressure and strain sensors were mounted on the models to observe the dynamic changes that occur during exposure to shockwaves. Overall, the use of lung models as an alternative to live tissue is demonstrated and the experimental results were analyzed and discussed by evaluating injury mechanisms.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:42344en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10919/124442en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectUnderwater Explosionsen
dc.subjectLung Surrogateen
dc.subjectBiomechanicsen
dc.subjectShock Wavesen
dc.subjectViscoelasticityen
dc.titleDevelopment of a Lung Surrogate Model for Assessing Biomechanical Responses to Underwater Explosions (UNDEX)en
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineAerospace Engineeringen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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