Experimental evaluation of impact-resistant gloves using surrogate hands

Abstract

Injuries to the hand and fingers with varying degrees of severity are widespread in industries such as mining and oil and gas production. This study presents the results of tests carried out to measure the impact performance for commonly used impact-resistant gloves (metacarpal gloves). Sets of surrogate hands made out of a 3D-printed skeletal structure and soft tissues represented by synthetic gel were manufactured and subjected to controlled impact tests. The calibration and validation of the surrogates were based on impact response data reported previously for cadaveric specimens. Calibrated surrogate hand specimens were tested to assess the impact protection of typical metacarpal gloves. Each type of metacarpal glove provided different levels of protection measured by the decrease in the peak impact reaction force and the fractures detected after the impacts. Results indicated that surrogate specimens suffered fractures in 77% and 33% of the impacts for unprotected and protected hands, respectively.

Keywords:

• glove
• impact
• surrogate hand
• 3D printing
• synthetic gel

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful for help provided by Mr Bruce Palmer and Dr SueAnn Woods, both at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, for facilitating access to laser scanning equipment and access to anatomical specimens used for the development of part of this work, as well as for the support provided during the revision of this article, respectively. The authors are thankful to Dr Ashish Nimbarte for facilitating access to some of the testing equipment and materials used in this research. The support provided by the Department of Mining and Industrial Extension department to Eduardo M. Sosa to develop and conduct this study is also gratefully acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicting interests among the authors. There have been and will be no advantages in any way received or given to the authors by any commercial, for-profit or non-profit entity that is directly or indirectly linked to the topic of this study.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially funded by the Arch Coal Inc. Endowment for Mine Health and Safety Research established in the Statler College of Engineering, and Mineral Resources (CEMR) at West Virginia University and administered by the Department of Mining and Industrial Extension (MIE).