Developing a Structurally Modified Mechanical Lumped Model of the Human Tibia and Shin Guard Using Modal Analysis

Shins are one of the most vulnerable bones in human body. Shin guards are evaluated by their effectiveness in reducing the force applied to the bone. In this study, a structural modified mechanical lumped model of the shin guard was developed to provide maximum force distribution using physical parameter change modification technique and genetic algorithm. Modal analysis and finite element methods were used to determine the dynamic behavior of the system in the frequency range of 0-3000 Hz. In this research, FE results had an encouraging agreement with those in experimental test with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) found as 34.94. The results proposed two design zones to select the stiffness of the shin guard. The stiffnesses K1 and K2 were selected between the values in the design zones. For situation, K1 = 7.9 x 105 N/m and K2 = 6.3 x 105 N/m, the distribution parameter was equal to 76% and f1 = 1.87F, f2 = 0.71F f3 = 1.81F, meaning the force was effectively distributed.