Open AccessNumerical analysis of the strain distribution in skin domes formed upon the application of hypobaric pressure
Author(s) -
SebastiaSaez Daniel,
Benaouda Faiza,
Lim Chui Hua,
Lian Guoping,
Jones Stuart,
Chen Tao,
Cui Liang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/srt.13047
Subject(s) - hyperelastic material , finite element method , materials science , elasticity (physics) , linear elasticity , suction , ultimate tensile strength , biomedical engineering , mechanics , composite material , structural engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics
Background Suction cups are widely used in applications such as in measurement of mechanical properties of skin in vivo, in drug delivery devices or in acupuncture treatment. Understanding mechanical response of skin under hypobaric pressure is of great importance for users of suction cups. The aim of this work is to predict the hypobaric pressure induced 3D stretching of the skin. Methods Experimental skin tensile tests were carried out for mechanical property characterization. Both linear elasticity and hyperelasticity parameters were determined and implemented in Finite Element modelling. Skin suction tests were performed in both experiments and FEM simulations for model validation. 3D skin stretching is then visualized in detail in FEM simulations. Results The simulations showed that the skin was compressed consistently along the thickness direction, leading to reduced thickness. At the center of the dome, the radial and angular strain decreases from the top surface to the bottom surface, although always in tension. Hyperelasticity modelling showed superiority over linear elasticity modelling while predicting the strain distribution because the stretch ratio reaches values exceeding the initial linear elastic stage of the stress‐strain curve for skin. Conclusion Hyperelasticity modelling is an effective approach to predict the 3D strain distribution, which paves a way to accurately design safe commercial products that interface with the skin.