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Numerical time‐domain modelling of hoof–ground interaction during the stance phase
Author(s) -
Behnke R.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/evj.12782
Subject(s) - hoof , acceleration , finite element method , mechanics , representation (politics) , ground reaction force , computer science , physics , structural engineering , geology , classical mechanics , engineering , kinematics , politics , political science , law , paleontology
Summary Background Hoof‐ground interaction impacts on the health and performance characteristics of horses. Due to complex interactions between hoof and ground during the stance phase, previous experimentally dominated studies concentrated on subproblems of the phenomena observed. A multidisciplinary methodology with mathematical modelling, material testing and in vivo experimental measurements seems promising. Objectives With the help of a mathematical approach, this contribution aims to explain from a biomechanical point of view the phenomena observed during experimental investigations (hoof acceleration, interacting forces) and aims to contribute to an overall experimental‐mathematical multidisciplinary approach. Study design In silico modelling of hoof–ground interaction (limb, hoof and horizontally unbounded ground). Methods Hoof‐ground interaction is represented by a time‐domain finite element model including the limb, the hoof and the unbounded representation of the ground via the scaled boundary finite element method to capture radiation damping during the stance phase. Motoric forces (driving forces) of the horse during locomotion are included. Results Numerical model results for acceleration–time relations (hoof) at different trotting velocities are compared with previously published acceleration–time relations and show qualitative agreement. From the model approach, power loss due to different ground properties and ground damping is computed in combination with the maximum limb force during the stance phase. Main limitations Intentionally, a simplified model approach for the material and structural representation of the limb, the hoof and the ground in terms of material features and spatial resolution has been used for this study, which might be the basis for a model refinement in terms of contact properties as well as the integration of bone and joint structures. Conclusions The comparison to experimentally obtained results demonstrates the applicability of the model, which, in turn, enables an insight into the processes taking place during hoof–ground interaction.