Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Supports
Abstract The mechanical characterization of body support materials is presented.
After an introduction of extra-corporal and intra-corporal body support devices
(Sect. 4.1), the mechanical description of polymeric soft foam material on the
microstructure and macrostructure level is introduced, (Sect. 4.2). Details
regarding the experimental approach, as well as the material parameter identifi-
cation to continuum mechanical description of the steady state (equilibrium)
elasticity, (Sects. 4.2.1.2 and 4.2.1.3), are shown. The characterisation and mod-
elling of polymeric soft foam viscoelastic material behaviour based on material
equations of nonlinear hyperelasticity and linear viscoelasticity at finite strain is
presented, (Sects. 4.2.1.4 and 4.2.1.5). Automotive and aircraft seat material
characterization is demonstrated, (Sect. 4.2.2).
4.1 Definition of General Body Supports
A technical device which provides aid to the human body, helping to prevent body
damage due to inappropriate loading in the seated or recumbent posture or during
walking or running is referred to as a support (primary and/or secondary prevention).
Such a device can also be used to support a damaged body region to enable the affected
region to regain its original physical state (tertiary prevention). Supports are differen-
tiated into extra-corporal and intra-corporal supporting devices. An extra-corporal
support has a contact interface with the skin surface. Bedding, Fig.
4.1
a, seating systems
(mattresses, automotive and airplane seats, wheel chair cushions, saddles etc.), orthotics,
prostheses or shoes including soles, Fig.
4.1
b are included. Intra-corporal supports
maintain a contact interface with internal body surfaces, such as a vascular wall with a
stent or an artificial knee joint Fig.
4.1
c, d or a tooth implant with surrounding tissue.
