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Finite Element Analysis on Effects of Cushion Properties on Pressure Distribution and Contact Stress

Xu, Chenqi
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1514518307950868

Abstract Details

2018, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.
A lot of research has been conducted regarding the pressure distribution of seat cushions in order to determine what cushion characteristics are related to seating comfort. This is a significant concern for people who use wheelchairs since pressure distribution of cushion is thought to be one of the potential factors contributing to pressure ulcers. There are many studies concerning the effect of pressure distribution of different existing cushions. However, little research has been conducted to systematically and quantitatively evaluate the relationship between the mechanical properties of cushions (stiffness, material and geometric form) and the resulting pressure distribution, contact stress and other indexes. Most past research has focused on how pressure or temperature would contribute to the development of pressure ulcer, while the deeper reasons for these remain unknown. The purpose of this research is to develop a finite element contact model of wheelchair seat cushions and human buttocks that can be used to evaluate and characterize the relationship between several seat cushion properties and pressure distribution, frictional stress and the dispersion index. The objectives of the research include determining stress- strain properties of the cushions, developing a finite element model of buttock-cushion contact in ABAQUS using the stress-strain measurements acquired by experiments and evaluating the relationships between the mechanical properties of foam cushion (stiffness, material and geometric form) and pressure distribution and contact stress. Uniaxial compression test was carried out on the SunMate cushions and Pudgee cushion for their stress-strain properties in Smart Material and Structure Lab at Scott Lab in the Ohio State University. The test procedures, test results and the measured parameters are presented and analyzed. The model of the cushion-buttock is built in the Solidworks based on the measurements of NASA anthropometry. The cushion-buttock model is then imported into ABAQUS to simulate the sitting process and extract the results. The procedure to apply constitutive model, contact pair setting and boundary conditions in ABAQUS is also shown. This thesis is concluded by discussing the effects of different cushion properties on pressure distribution, contact stress and dispersion index. Future research that could improve the credibility and accuracy of this model and simulation is also discussed.
Sandra Metzler (Advisor)
Carmen DiGiovine (Committee Member)
112 p.
Mechanical Engineering
Wheelchair, Pressure ulcer, Cushion, Finite Element Analysis, Pressure distribution

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Xu, C. (2018). Finite Element Analysis on Effects of Cushion Properties on Pressure Distribution and Contact Stress [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1514518307950868

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Xu, Chenqi. Finite Element Analysis on Effects of Cushion Properties on Pressure Distribution and Contact Stress. 2018. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1514518307950868.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Xu, Chenqi. "Finite Element Analysis on Effects of Cushion Properties on Pressure Distribution and Contact Stress." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1514518307950868

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1514518307950868
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.