Innovative Computational Modeling - A Powerful Surrogate for Evaluating the Performance of Military Gear

Background: The decision process of developing or acquiring suitable military gear that improves survivability and functionality, is a complex process. As part of this process, the durability of the gear to external loads is examined. However, because of ethical and practical reasons, the effect of the relevant load on the soldier`s body and the biological tissues is hardly referred to.

Methods and Results: We have developed a computational modeling methodology for the evaluation of military gear, which begins with construction of a three-dimensional, anatomically-realistic model of the relevant body part and the comprising tissues, upon which the gear is mounted. We then assign biophysical and mechanical properties to the tissues and the components of the gear. Finally, we simulate real-world scenarios, either laboratory experiments or case reconstructions where information is available (post investigation), similarly to crime scene reconstructions. This approach for examining the effectiveness of military gear, the specific one used in real-life or the one which could have potentially be employed (and may replace the one used in practice) constitutes a quantitative, standardized and effective platform for objective comparisons between different designs. Importantly, our approach facilitates an informed decision-making process with cost-benefit considerations included.

Conclusions: By presenting a number of examples, we will demonstrate the strengths of our approach in protecting the life of soldiers.