Year

2020

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Inteligent Polymer Research Institute

Abstract

The overall aim of this thesis was to develop a compression garment that delivered desired pressures, including the ability to vary the pressure over time. To achieve this aim mathematical and computational models were firstly developed to predict the pressures generated by compression garments on both compressible and non-compressible human limb analogues to better understand the mechanisms of pressure generation. Previous modelling attempts either assumed a human limb was non-compressible or did not experimentally validate the approach in a controlled matter, as was done in this thesis. The effect of the compressible material properties on pressure generated by elastic bands stretched and wrapped around the limb analogue were examined and evaluated. An experimental platform was developed to quantify the relationship between material properties, initial band extension and pressure. A mathematical model was presented that provided greater accuracy than the existing Young-Laplace equation for compressible limb analogues. A Finite Element Model (FEM) was also formulated that accurately predicted pressure values, while providing detailed information regarding the internal stresses and strains generated by the compression bands within the limb analogue. Information from modelling pressure generation was then used to guide the design of an active compression garment using artificial muscles. The active compression garment design consisted of a circumferential band that could vary the pressure it exerted on a limb analogue. An experimental investigation highlighted Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and Polymer Coiled Muscles (PCM) as suitable candidates to use within an active compression garment. Benchtop testing of several design iterations provided qualitative and quantitative results, informing design improvements for each iteration. The final active compression garment design was tested on a participant with lymphoedema to provide insight into the practicalities of using artificial muscle technology to create an active compression garment.

FoR codes (2008)

0912 MATERIALS ENGINEERING

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Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.