The development of a new artificial model of a finger for assessing transmitted vibrations. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Almagirby, Almaky; Rongong, Jem A.; Carré, Matt J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials. Volume 78(2018)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Vibration white finger -- Dynamic mechanical analysis -- Finger mechanical properties -- Artificial finger -- Finite element modelling -- Finger-transmitted vibration; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.11.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-6161

Abstract

Abstract: Prolonged exposure of the hand to tool-induced vibrations is associated with the occurrence of conditions such as vibration white finger. This study involves the development of a new artificial model that approximates both loading and vibration behaviour of the human finger. The layered system uses polypropylene "bones", encased in a cylinder of low modulus, room-temperature curing silicone gel (to replicate subcutaneous tissues), with an outer layer of latex (to replicate the dermis and epidermis). A protocol for manufacture was developed and dynamic mechanical analysis was carried out on a range of gels in order to choose a range close to the mechanical properties of the human finger. The load-deflection behaviour under quasi-static loading was obtained using an indenter. The indentation measurements were then compared with a set of validation data obtained from human participant testing under the same conditions. A 2-D FE model of the finger was also used to assess vibration responses using existing parameters for a human finger and those obtained from the tested materials. Vibration analysis was conducted under swept sinusoidal excitations ranging from 10 to 400 Hz whilst the FE finger model was pressed 6 mm toward the handle. Results were found to compare well. This synthetic test-bed and protocol can now be used in future experiments for assessing finger-transmitted vibrations. For instance, it can aid in assessing anti-vibration glove materials without the need for human subjects and provide consistent control of test parameters such as grip force.