Non-linear finite element model established on pectoralis major muscle to investigate large breast motions of senior women for bra design

Abstract

This paper presents a three-dimensional nonlinear biomechanical finite element model to simulate elderly breast deformation under arm abduction. The finite element model was constructed based on complex anatomical structures that consist of the soft tissues including torso, breast, pectoralis major muscle, and rigid bones including humerus, sternum, clavicle and ribs. The elderly breast was defined as material nonlinearity and geometric nonlinearity. The computational model can simulate and illustrate the deformation of soft tissues during arm abduction from 30° to 90°. The finite element model was validated by motion data. The Young’s modulus for the clavicular portion and the sternocostal portion of the pectoralis major muscle was characterized as 0.1 MPa and 0.08 MPa, respectively. Besides this, the finite element model presented here features the musculoskeletal system for breast deformation and reveals the synergistic relationship between the breast and the pectoralis major muscle. A questionnaire was conducted to analyze the importance of purchasing factors and the discomfort positions in a sports bra from the perspective of senior women. Combined with the finite element model results, this study provides a promising basis for the design of sports bras in an ergonomic way.

A review of bioengineering techniques applied to breast tissue: Mechanical properties, tissue engineering and finite element analysis

“…They obtained an optimal elastic modulus for the bra cup material of 1.5 MPa since after this value no changes were observed in the uplifting and gathering of the breasts. Also focusing on the design of bras, Zhang et al (2022) simulated elderly breast deformation under arm abduction, which was validated with motion data. The model included the torso, breast (defined as non-linear material), pectoralis major muscle, and rigid bones.…”

Advances in Finite Element Modeling of Breast Tissue Mechanics: Applications and Challenges

“…Constitutive Models: Various constitutive models are available to describe breast tissue behavior, ranging from linear elastic models for simplicity to more complex nonlinear models that capture tissue response more accurately. Selecting an appropriate model is essential [1].…”

“…Breast tissue, a complex and dynamic organ, holds immense significance in both clinical practice and biomedical research [1]. Its intricate structure, composition, and mechanical behavior play pivotal roles in various aspects of women's health, including breast cancer detection, surgical interventions, reconstruction procedures, and radiation therapy planning.…”

3D garment fit on solid and soft digital avatars – preliminary results

“…This approach originates from the field of animation, where realistic dynamic body shapes can be simulated based on a second-order auto-regressive model that predicts soft-tissue deformations learned from previous deformations [9]. In order to simulate the deformation behavior of the soft tissue influenced by tight-fitting clothes, the modelling based on CT scans is the most practical and a non-invasive method for generating a soft avatar and enables the exact determination of the geometry for the different tissue structures inside [10].…”