Effect of profile curvature of the needle point on the deformation of the human skin during penetration

A numerical study of the effect of the geometric profile of the needle point in the stress distribution of the skin during penetration of the cannula is presented. Here the curvature of the tip is addressed and comparison between a commercial type needle points against a curve needle point is carried out. A simple photoelastic penetration comparison in ballistic gel is also presented. Curve needle point exhibits higher stresses and lower deformations indicating an easier penetration in human skin and a likely pain decrement.