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A method for determination of equine hoof strain patterns using photoelasticity: an in vitro study
Author(s) -
DEJARDIN L. M.,
ARNOCZKY S. P.,
CLOUD G. L.
Publication year - 1999
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/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03178.x
Subject(s) - hoof , photoelasticity , strain (injury) , materials science , stress (linguistics) , anatomy , composite material , biology , solid mechanics , linguistics , philosophy
Summary During impact, equine hooves undergo viscoelastic deformations which may result in potentially harmful strains. Previous hoof strain studies using strain guages have been inconclusive due to arbitrary guage placement. Photoelastic stress analysis (PSA) is a full‐field technique which visually displays strains over entire loaded surfaces. This in vitro study identifies normal hoof strain patterns using PSA. Custom‐made photoelastic plastic sheets were applied to the hoof surface. The hooves were axially loaded (225 kg) under level and varus/valgus conditions. Strain patterns were video‐recorded through a polariscope. Strains were concentrated between middle and distal thirds of the hoof wall regardless of the loading conditions. This strain distribution appears to result from the differential expansion of the hoof wall under load. Increasing load resulted in higher strains and asymmetric loading resulted in an ipsilateral increase in strain magnitudes without altering strain locations. This study shows that PSA is a reliable method with which to evaluate hoof strains in vitro and is sensitive enough to reflect subtle load‐related strain alterations.