On Design and Analysis of Damping Physiognomies of Reinforced Composite Loofah Sponge on Athlete’s Shoe

Year 2019, Volume: 16 Issue: 2, 32 - 45, 01.11.2019

Theddeus Akano , İsah Suberu

Abstract

In this paper, the
vibration damping characteristic of reinforced composite loofah sponge as
mid-sole, for running shoes was modelled and analysed. The reinforced composite
loofah sponge was used as mid-sole for running shoes for effective and critical
vibration damping to prevent knees and ankles injuries while running. The dried
loofah sponge was treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide, while matrix was applied
to enhance its Young’s modulus and loss factor. Dynamic impact vibration test,
compression test, low cyclic fatigue (LCF) and high cyclic fatigue (HCF) test were
carried out, and the results were analysed. The results depicted that the
mid-sole is an excellent vibration damper with high durability.

Keywords

Loofah sponge, vibration damping, composite material

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