Simulating the interaction between a respirator and a headform using LS-DYNA

Respirator use is an integral part of occupational safety and health practice. The challenge is to design respirators with the best fit and highest comfort level for all workers of diverse anthropometry. This paper presents a method to simulate the interaction between a respirator and a headform, and solutions for the universal design of respirators. Three-dimensional digital headforms and respirators are obtained using reverse engineering techniques. The commercial software, LS-DYNA, is used to model and simulate the interaction between a respirator and headform to determine the key factors that affect respirator fit and comfort. Both the respirator and headform are modeled as shell elements and are deformable. The results show that strap forces play an important role in pressure distribution on the face.