Finite Element Analysis of Cervical Spine Kinematic Response during Ejection Utilising a Hill-Type Dynamic Muscle Model

Abstract

To determine the impact of active muscle on the dynamic response of a pilot’s neck during simulated emergency ejection, a detailed three-dimensional (3D) cervical spine (C0–T1) finite element (FE) model integrated with active muscles was constructed. Based on the Hill-type model characterising the muscle force activation mechanics, 13 major neck muscles were modelled. The active force generated by each muscle was simulated as functions of (i) active state (Na), (ii) velocity (Fv(v)), and (iii) length (FL(L)). An acceleration-time profile with an initial acceleration rate of 125 G·s−1 in the 0–80 ms period, reaching peak acceleration of 10 G, then kept constant for a further 70 ms, was applied. The rotational angles of each cervical segment under these ejection conditions were compared with those without muscles and with passive muscles derived from the previous study. Similar trends of segmental rotation were observed with S- and C-curvature of the cervical spine in the 150 ms span analysed. With active muscles, the flexion motion of the C0–C2 segments exhibited higher magnitudes of rotation compared to those without muscle and passive muscle models. The flexion motion increased rapidly and peaked at about 95–105 ms, then decreased rapidly to a lower magnitude. Lower C2–T1 segments exhibited less variation in flexion and extension motions. Overall, during emergency ejections, active muscle activities effectively reduce the variability in rotational angles across cervical segments, except C0–C2 segments in the 60–120 ms period. The role of the active state dynamics of the muscles was crucial to the magnitude of the muscle forces demonstrated. This indicates that it is crucial for pilots to consciously contract their muscles before ejection to prevent cervical spine injuries.