To investigate the changes of Beagle’s intracrannial pressure after explosion and explore the features of shock wave in the cranium.

Forty-six healthy adult Beagle dogs were used in the experiment. The explosion was carried out in free field, in the cabin and under the water. The explosion source was 0.65, 1.00 and 3.50 kg column-shaped tri-nitro-toluene. In free field and cabin explosion, Beagle dogs were anaesthesized and fixed in supine position with the head toward the explosion source. In under-water explosion, the dogs were fixed in life buoy with head above the water. The external shock wave pressure, intracranial shock wave pressure from cranium and brain tissue were measured. Neurological scores for big animals were used to assess trauma severity of the animal at different time points.

In free field and cabin experiment, the shock wave can penetrate the cranium and enter the brain. After passing through the cranium, the shock wave only shows a decrease in amplitude, and the wave form was similar as that of the field. In free field explosion, there was exponent relationship of the peak value of the wave between those in the field and those passing through the cranium (R²=0.804). In free field and under-water experiment, the wave form of that coming from the brain tissue was similar as that of the field, which means that shock wave can entering brain tissue from chest and abdomen. In under-water explosion, there was exponent relationship of the peak value of the wave between those in the field and those coming through the cranium (R²=0.767). In cabin explosion, the wave form was very complex because of the complicated influence factors. No clear relationship of peak wave was discovered between those in the field and in the cranium. There was the most serious severity of the animal in under-water group and the lightest in free field.

In different explosion field, shock wave can enter into cranium either by passing through the cranium or entering brain tissue from chest and abdomen. The wave form was affected by many factors.