Analysis of Variables which Affect the Mechanical and Fracture Properties of Porcine Skin

A diabetes infusion kit is a treatment option for patients with type one diabetes. Using beam springs, the device inserts a Teflon cannula into a patient's skin for delivery of insulin. Modelling the insertion process requires understanding of how the skin surface deforms and fractures. Experiments measuring the indentation properties and fracture properties of porcine skin were performed. A viscoelastic model was developed and fit to experimental indentation force results to derive material properties. A fracture toughness coefficient was derived from the experimental fracture force results. The effect independent variables had on variations in experimental force and derived material properties was investigated. The changes in results due to changes in independent variables mostly conformed to the assumptions made about the behaviour of skin tissue as a viscoelastic material. The results obtained in the experiments performed had good agreement to other results in published literature.