Development and verification of three-dimensional model of human foot for badminton insole analysis: A finite element study

Abstract

The development process of three-dimensional (3D) model of human body parts were rapidly emerged from time to time. The use of 3D model could in various forms such as finite element analysis and 3D printing purpose. The finite element analysis can provide a deep understanding of the models of human parts in which difficult to be experimentally conducted due to some issues. One of the issues is related to the results of an experiment where it more globalized and difficult to focus on a specific location of bones. By having a finite element study, local stress distribution and many virtual surgeries on the patients can be conducted easily. There are many published papers reporting the steps in developing 3D model of bone. All of them have their own method and validation. In this paper, we provide a method in developing 3D models of human ankle-foot bones and verification analysis through finite element analysis. Computed tomography (CT) images were used to develop a total of 17 bones, and skin as soft tissue. To complete the foot and ankle joint, a total of 20 ligaments were modelled. On top of that, other parts such as insole, midsole and outsole were developed in CAD software. For boundary conditions, a face load of 270N was applied on the superior surface of the skin and the von Mises Stress were observed and compared with previous experimental results. The peak stress of the finite element analysis shows a value of 0.196MPa which in agreement with the experimental results showing the value of 0.157MPa. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the current models are verified and reliable to be used for the next analysis.