Puncturing of soft tissues: experimental and fracture mechanics-based study

Abstract

Penetration of a rigid circular needle into soft target solids is studied combining closed-form solution based on linear elastic fracture mechanics, FEM simulations and experiments. The results provide a manageable tool to assess safety of soft materials against puncturing.

Experimental observation of near-wall effects during the puncture of soft solids

“…Analysis of deep indentation and puncture in the post-puncture regime is an active area of investigation. 22–24,27–29 The current understanding of crack morphology during deep indentation and puncture is that it relates to the indenter tip geometry, materials properties, distribution of materials defects, and large strain stiffening behavior. 21,30 Currently this link is qualitative and prohibits researchers from predicting the crack morphology without making measurements.…”