Finite element simulation on the relationship between pressure and displacement for the waist of elastic pantyhose

Purpose Objective appraisal of pressure comfort is the key point of optimal designing of clothing. The purpose of this paper is to study a new method to provide pressure comfort for the waist of elastic pantyhose through the relationship between pressure and displacement using the finite element method (FEM). Design/methodology/approach This paper presented a simulation model of the waist cross section consisting of three parts, namely skin, soft tissue and lumbar vertebrae, respectively, according to CT scan. The finite element the model of waist cross-section was established using Mimics software. The pressure–displacement quadratic equation can be obtained using ANSYS software and fitting curves. Meanwhile, we divide the waist cross-section into 12 equal regions according to angle, and then the area shrinkage mass of the waist cross-section can be calculated, respectively. Findings In this research work, we got the displacement distribution trend of elastic pantyhose at the waist cross section according to the area shrinkage mass of 12 regions, and this displacement could be used as an objective evaluation index for pressure comfort. All these solutions supply a theoretical reference for optimal design of the women's elastic pantyhose. Originality/value The paper analyzed the relationship between pressure and displacement for the waist of elastic pantyhose using FEM, and then got the displacement distribution trend of elastic pantyhose at the waist cross section according to the area shrinkage mass of different regions. It can supply a new method to appraise pressure comfort.