New analytical model and 3D finite element simulation for improved pressure prediction of elastic compression stockings

Elastic compression stockings (ECSs) are essential for the prevention and treatment of venous disorders of the lower limbs. Finite element modeling (FEM) is an effective method for numerically analyzing ECS pressure performance for guiding ECS material design and pressure dose selection in treatment. However, existing FEM studies have primarily used the two-dimensional (2D) mechanical properties (i.e., properties along the wale and course directions) of ECS fabrics and ignored their three-dimensional (3D) mechanical properties (i.e., those along the thickness direction), causing deviations in pressure predictions. To address this limitation, the present study developed a new approach for determining the 3D mechanical properties of ECS fabrics through orthotropic theoretical analysis, analytical model development, FEM, and experimental testing and validation. The results revealed that the deviation ratios between the experimental and simulated pressure values of ECS fabrics was 19.3% obtained using the 2D material mechanical properties that was reduced to 10.3% obtained using the 3D material mechanical properties. Equivalently, the FEM simulation precision increased by 46.6%. These results indicate that the proposed approach can improve finite element analysis efficiency for ECS pressure prediction, thus facilitating the functional design of elastic compression materials for improving compression therapeutic efficacy.