Study of a Diaper on a Moving Baby using ABAQUS

ABAQUS is used to simulate interactions of an absorbent personal care product (a diaper), with its user and their environment. This problem, being almost completely driven by complex contact between highly deformable and moving bodies, is a challenging proposition. Advanced contact algorithms, non-linear material models and multi-body dynamic analysis capabilities in ABAQUS are used to successfully study the structural interactions of a diaper, a baby and their environment. Aspects of product fit and comfort are often difficult to quantify either by direct measurement or from user feedback. However, by utilizing features of ABAQUS, it is possible to predict physical interactions that occur between the diaper and baby. ABAQUS provides predictions of contact interactions, stress profiles, and strain distributions that are otherwise not measurable. Based on these predictions, one can infer aspects of fit quality and comfort. Detailed predictions of stress, strain and contact within a product also provide a means to evaluate how well that product will be able to perform its intended function. Intimate absorbent personal care products, such as diapers, rely on a combination of containment, redistribution and capture of body waste to provide utility. The function of a diaper is dramatically affected and often driven by structural interactions between itself, its user and the surrounding environment. ABAQUS provides a means to study the response of a complex, multi-component diaper worn by a moving baby.