Case Study: University of Cassino understands retinal detachment with MSC Software Dytran

Simulation of the Mechanism of Retinal Detachment as a Result of Blunt Impact Trauma

University of Cassino worked with MSC Software to better understand the cause of retinal detachment and other eye damage caused by blunt impact trauma. Using MSC Software’s Dytran explicit nonlinear FEA and fluid-structure interaction solution, the university sought to model the dynamic deformation of the human eye under collision conditions and compare simulated behavior with experimental eye-impact data.

MSC Software helped develop a validated simulation model of the ocular globe, including key eye structures and a projectile impact scenario, calibrated against 1967 experimental measurements. The results showed that retinal injuries are driven primarily by reflected compression waves and tensile pressures in the macular and vitreous regions, with peak tensile pressure reaching about 0.6 MPa within 0.05 milliseconds after impact. This improved medical understanding also supports practical applications in military safety and protective system design.

University of Cassino

Nicola Bonora

Professor of Mechanical Design and Construction Machinery