Bulk soft tissue in contact with surface waves for human transport

Interactions between human bulk soft tissue and a novel surface wave actuated bed surface are addressed. Nonlinear finite element analysis is utilized for contact analysis between bulk soft tissue and the surface wave actuator designed in the d'Arbeloff Laboratory at MIT. This actuator features rod-like extenders protruding from the surface with spherical tips. Stresses are calculated due to human interaction with the support surface. Guidelines for surface design based on the analysis is the result.