Numerical simulation of the relationship between pressure and displacement for the top part of men’s socks

Numerical simulation of elastic human body deformation and garment pressure distribution is critical for optimal design of apparel products. This paper reports an analytical study of the relationship between pressure and displacement at the top part of a man’s sock using a finite element method (FEM). Through three-dimensional body scanning, we present a model of the cross-section of the lower leg where the top part of a man’s sock is located. In this study, the human body is regarded as an elastomer and the contact between the lower leg and the top part of the sock is considered to be an elastic contact. The pressure—displacement quadratic equation can be obtained using ANSYS software and fitting curves. Meanwhile, we divide the lower leg cross-section into four equal regions according to angle and the area shrinkage mass of the cross-section of the leg can be calculated, respectively; all these solutions supply a theoretical reference for optimal design of the top part of a man’s sock.