Finite element analysis of static loading in donkey hoof wall

Abstract

Summary A finite element model of donkey hoof wall was constructed from measurements taken directly from the hoof capsule of the left forefoot. The model was created with a 2 mm mesh and consisted of 11608 nodes. A linear elastic analysis was conducted assuming isotropic material properties in response to a 375 newton (N) load, to simulate static loading. The load was applied to the wall via 400 laminae in order to simulate the way in which the pedal bone is suspended within the donkey hoof capsule. Displacement, stress concentration, principal strain, and force distribution across the hoof wall were evaluated. The hoof wall model revealed loading responses that were in broad agreement with previously reported in vivo and modelled observations of the equid hoof. Finite element analysis offers the potential to model hoof wall function at the macroscopic and microscopic level. In this way, it could help to develop further our understanding of the functional relationship between the structural organisation and material properties of the hoof wall.

Analysis of strain and stress in the equine hoof capsule using finite element methods: comparison with principal strains recorded in vivo

“…Previous FE models of the hoof capsule (wall and sole and frog in some cases) have shown that the general pattern of deformation and displacement of the models are in broad agreement with experimentally derived data (Hinterhofer et al 1997(Hinterhofer et al , 2000Newlyn et al 1998). The models all showed palmar movement of the toe, with abaxial flare of the quarters and heels, as seen in vivo (Lungwitz 1891;Roepstorff et al 2001).…”

“…The models all showed palmar movement of the toe, with abaxial flare of the quarters and heels, as seen in vivo (Lungwitz 1891;Roepstorff et al 2001). Magnitudes of displacement of specific regions of the wall were also plausible (Newlyn et al 1998). The models used here have been shown to deform and displace accurately (H. L. McClinchey et al, unpublished data).…”

Radiographic Measurements of Hoof Balance Are Significantly Influenced by a Horse's Stance

“…This is an important finding when considering corrective farriery based on the position of the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule. During the stance phase, the two main hoof deformations are horizontal spreading of the heels away from each other and bowing‐ in of the dorsal hoof wall . It appears that the load variation induced by a variation in stance alone is not enough to cause change in the position of the distal phalanx.…”

Sixth International Conference on Equine Locomotion

“…The finite element method (Newlyn et al 1998;Hinterhofer et al 2001) was presented to simulate mechanics of a donkey and a horse digit model. A different computational distal forelimb model was presented to investigate strains in the flexor tendons (Chan and Lawson 2008), concluding that the high repeatability of the model is an indicator for its sensitivity.…”