The Labs That Go Boom: The Trauma Mechanics Research Initiative Crushes Skulls
Whiplash The Realistic Dummy Head, or RED Head, is a synthetic, mechanically realistic human cranium with silicone-based skin and a polyurethane skull. The skull contains simulated cerebrospinal fluid and a viscous silicone gel molded into the size, shape and density of a human brain. Courtesy Trauma Mechanics Research Initiative/University of Nebraska at LincolnFun for students, but tough luck for the crash-test dummy This month, as part of our special on the future of education, PopSci presents 10 labs where students do serious research (and career training) by blowing stuff up. Lab: Trauma Mechanics Research Initiative at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Career: Helmet or body armor designer At least a fifth of the wounded U.S. soldiers evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistan returned with traumatic brain injuries, many of which were the result of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). To better understand how shock waves from IEDs affect the body and brain, members...