Prediction and parametric analysis of thermal profiles within heated human skin using the boundary element method

Abstract

In this paper, an axisymmetric model of the human skin is developed to simulate the steady-state temperature distribution during contact with a hot solid. Simulations are carried out using the boundary element method. This study seeks to investigate the feasibility of using the boundary element method in the studies of burn. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to examine the effects of various parameters on the temperature distribution inside the skin during burn. Furthermore, a statistical analysis based on the Taguchi method is performed to determine the combination of factors that produce the desired outcome (least increase in temperature). In order to validate the accuracy of the numerical scheme, results obtained using the boundary element method are compared with the solutions obtained using the more established finite-element method.

Surgical wound debridement sequentially characterized in a porcine burn model with multispectral imaging

“…Furthermore, the 450, 550, 650, and 800 nm wavelengths have been shown to improve classification of burn depth as compared to traditional clinical judgment alone [13,14,20]. We sought to test eight additional wavelengths with high potential to aid in burn assessment, keeping the optical window in mind and centering on those wavelengths previously established.…”

“…Computational studies modeling heat transfer through skin are able to predict the degree of thermal injury that is induced by specific temperatures for predetermined durations. These studies have improved understanding of physiological changes that occur during the burn process [18][19][20]. In particular, these changes impact the scattering and absorption coefficients of the tissue, influencing the results of optical measurement [21].…”

Remotely triggered release of small molecules from LaB6@SiO2-loaded polycaprolactone microneedles

“…It should be noted that although the highest temperature of the irradiated microneedles was controlled below 50°C, such a temperature may still cause thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The degree of tissue injury is directly related to the temperature and duration of contact with the heat source [23]. Therefore, long-term exposure to laser (>6 min) or 50°C (>5 min) would be harmful and should be prevented.…”

Multi-scale biothermal and biomechanical behaviours of biological materials

“…Then, Marquez et al (2010) investigated the relationship between mechanical behaviours at cell and tissue levels in their paper entitled 'Whole cell mechanics of contractile fibroblasts: relations between effective cellular and extracellular matrix moduli'. Ng et al (2010) studied bioheat transfer at tissue level under extreme thermal environment (skin burn) in their paper entitled 'Prediction and parametric analysis of thermal profiles within heated human skin using the boundary element method'. This issue is ended with a paper from Zhou et al (2010) entitled 'Strain rate sensitivity of skin tissue under thermomechanical loading', which describes the coupled thermomechanical behaviour of skin tissue under extreme thermal environment.…”