University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School
Doi
Abstract
Within the bra industry there exists a need to quantify fit and performance of test bra designs. While finite element simulation of breast dynamics has been undertaken for imaging and surgical planning, for this real-world application a physical breast simulator with motion control was designed, built, evaluated, and refined through a second iteration. This simulator is based on 3D scans from a professional bra-testing model which were converted into composites of molded-silicone-simulated skin and breast tissue integrated around a SLS 3D printed nylon lattice torso. An initial evaluation of the simulator breast motion was undertaken using standard position and acceleration metrics as well as damped oscillation and rheological studies of various breast formulations. A clinical study of breast firmness and tissue dynamics was completed to validate the simulator formulation and motion as well as to provide a knowledgebase for further improvements and future research inquiries.Doctor of Philosoph
