Development of a three-dimensional finite element model of a horse's foot

Abstract

The horse's foot, defined as the hoof wall and all the structures within it, is subjected to intense load-bearing and energy-absorbing demands. The foot is actually a complex assembly of components that deform as they support loads and absorb energy. Factors such as shoeing, hoof trimming, and hard ground surfaces can change the way the foot deforms, leading to damage to the structure and components of the foot, an important cause of lameness, an affliction prevalent in domesticated horses. Much research has been conducted to determine how the foot deforms naturally and how the above mentioned factors affect these deformations. This research has used three basic approaches: qualitative descriptions based on foot anatomy, hoof wall strain measurements, and finite element analysis. Three-dimensional finite element analysis holds the most promise for providing useful and accurate information, but due to the complexity of the task, has not been accomplished until now. The objectives of this research were to develop a practical procedure for creating a three-dimensional finite element model of a horse's foot and attempt to validate it using experimentally obtained strain results. A finite element model was constructed using geometric data from traced outlines of slices cut from an actual foot. The model was analyzed using the ABAQUS finite element analysis code and strain results were obtained which were found to differ significantly from experimental results. Based on information from the literature, it was determined that the structure of the model is essentially sound and discrepancies between the analytical and experimental results can be reduced by refining the estimates and assumptions used for the material properties and boundary conditions. Furthermore, experimental results differ between studies cited so more definitive experimental data is needed as well.