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THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Eric Snively A ... - Ohio University

THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Eric Snively A ... - Ohio University

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Two analyses were fun in order to test these hypotheses, using the finite<br />

element method. The first investigation assumed loading regimes with the<br />

metatarsus normal to the substrate. The pattern of resulting strain energy would<br />

serve to identify areas where energy transference by ligaments would be most<br />

felicitous, and where the maintenance of safety factors would be most critical.<br />

This analysis, therefore, tested whether the position of ligaments postulated in<br />

Chapter 3 correlates with regions of high strain within the metatarsus, and aimed<br />

to reveal regions of osteological weakness that would potentially benefit from<br />

elastic energy transfer.<br />

With ligament position tested under the first finite element run, the second<br />

analysis incorporated a loading regime with the plantar surface of the metatarsus<br />

indined at 50 degrees to the substrate. The model of MT III was subjected to<br />

bending hads. This analysis was designed ta detemine if and where in MT III<br />

bending strains were likely to be damaging. if MT III was in danger of breaking<br />

under these loads, resistance of ligaments :O anterodorsal displacement of MT<br />

III, as postulated under the tensional keystone model, would serve to prevent this<br />

damage.<br />

MATERIALS AND METHODS<br />

As with other finite element analyses, this investigation requires four steps:<br />

assessment of the physical environment of the G. libratus metatarsus just after<br />

footfall; creation of a finite element model and mesh: solution of stiffness matrix<br />

equations to determine stresses and strains; and postprocessing for visualization<br />

and evaluation of results.

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