Impact Studies of Facial Bones and Skull

The dynamic responses of the human skull and facial bones have been determined by a series of impact experiments. A preliminary report was issued on this subject with particular reference to three impact sites of the skull—the frontal, temporo-parietal, and zygomatic. This work has been extended to include more experiments in these areas to delineate further the nature and reliability of the earlier data. In addition, new data have been obtained for the maxilla, mandible, and zygomatic arch in order to include additional anatomic sites that are frequently involved in accidental impacts. Relationships to impulse duration, peak force, and various anatomic characteristics have been studied and will also be presented. Additional data have been obtained for unembalmed anatomic specimens to provide new information to supplement and expand the tolerance base reported in the preliminary study.