The main objective of this study is to evaluate the possibility of using a numerical model of a pregnant woman to understand placenta injury mechanisms in car accident situations. As a first step, a finite element (FE) model was developed by adding a gravid uterus in the already available Radioss Humos _R full human body model. This numerical model was evaluated using a cadaver tests approach. Simulated and experimental gravid uterus kinematics were compared and found in good agreement. Indentation tests also were performed on fresh placenta specimens. A placenta FE segment was then implemented into the full pregnant body model at different locations. For a simulated frontal impact at moderate speed, the placenta position was not found to significantly influence the abruption risk. Our results illustrate the potential of numerical simulation to improve the description of injury mechanisms related to pregnant women, in particular the placenta abruption. Further work is, however, required to develop the experimental tests database used for the model validation, and to investigate sensibility to maternal morphology. car crash; numerical model; placenta abruption; foetal death; trauma
