The effects of trabecular architectures on transferring dynamic loads to the brain

The SEM study revealed that the trabecular architectures in the subarachnoid space (SAS) are in the form of tree-shaped rods, pillars, plates or a complex network. In this paper, the effects of pillar and tree-shaped trabeculae on transferring an impact load and a pressure wave to the brain have been investigated. Indeed, two sets of local 3D FE models, including the brain and the SAS with rod and tree-shaped trabeculae were created. The models were subjected to pressure histories from the blunt impact and the shockwave scenarios. The results indicated that the thickness, shape and architecture of the trabeculae would not affect the severity of loads transferring to the brain from shock waves. In cases of blunt impact scenario, the presence of trabeculae would reduce the load transferring to the brain and also the upright tree shaped trabeculae perform stronger in protecting the brain, comparing to the inverted ones.