Computer simulation for postmortem cooling processes in the outer ear.

作者信息

Kanawaku Yoshimasa, Kanetake Jun, Komiya Atsuki, Maruyama Shigenao, Funayama Masato

机构信息

Division of Forensic Medicine, Department of Public Health and Forensic Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.

出版信息

Leg Med (Tokyo). 2007 Mar;9(2):55-62. doi: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2006.09.006. Epub 2006 Dec 6.

DOI:10.1016/j.legalmed.2006.09.006

PMID:17157049

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

A simulation using a computer model was undertaken to investigate postmortem cooling patterns in the outer ear.

METHODS

Cooling patterns were analyzed using a 3-dimensional head model built from brain CT images of a volunteer. The simulation was verified with a case subject under constant environmental conditions to obtain an appropriate heat transmission coefficient.

RESULTS

The cooling pattern of the head model agreed with that of the case subject when the heat transmission coefficient was 6W/m(2) degrees C, and it could be approximated to a single exponential curve.

DISCUSSION

This is the first simulative study to show the postmortem cooling pattern of the head of an adult human. Our head model will prove useful to predict the cooling patterns of not only the outer ear but also of the entirety of the head.

摘要