Topological Simulation to Recognize the Steady State Thermal Behavior of Customized Finger Splint

The recent developments in simulation engineering have made it feasible to solve various multiphysics problems of designing and testing through advanced mathematical modeling with optimal outputs to meet manufacturing leading accuracy. The engineers preferably adopt topology optimization (TO) techniques to establish a performance-oriented balance between affordability and strength, interpolating unanticipated hidden shapes from a given design domain. The thermal analysis embedded with topological simulation enables the designers to understand the thermal performance of complex structures under given boundary conditions. In the present article, a cumulative finite element analysis (FEA) based structural and thermal simulation approach has been implemented to understand the customized mallet finger splint's mechanical and thermal behavior. The customized splint subjected to operational loads and constraints was optimized for compliance criterion with a successive reduction in mass percentage. Optimization results indicated that a considerable weight reduction improves the orthosis ventilation behavior, which may improve the performance outcomes for the patients during the recovery.