In this study, the fracture characteristics of structural adhesives were investigated according to the shape of a DCB and TDCB by using the FEM. First, to obtain the reliability of the finite element method, the experimental and FEM analyses were compared, and the reliability was secured. When the graph of reaction force to displacement on the TDCB test specimen was examined, it was found that the smaller the slope, the stronger the exhibited property sustaining the load to the end of the adhesive surface. Maximum reaction force occurred was just before the adhesive was removed. The shear stress of the specimen exhibited the same characteristics and an equivalent stress. Thus, the data of this study resulting in the fracture characteristics of the structural adhesives for each shape can be applied to the design with durability.

This study was to compare a domestic comfort shoes to the popular import(SAS<SUP>®</SUP>) to gain a better understanding in biomechanical characteristics for shoe design for the elderly. For each shoe type, morphologic dimensions, shock absorption, and flexibility were assessed. From subjects(n = 20, 72.4±5.5 years, 67.7±7.9 kg), mean peak pressure(MPP) and contact area(CA) at the plantar surface were analyzed. The domestic shoes reflecting anatomic contour of the plantar surfaces of Asians resulted in wider CA(by 30.4 cm²), higher shock absorption(by 2.4%) and stiffness(by 0.5 N/mm) than the import. With the domestic shoes, significantly less MPPs were found at the forefoot(by 42~49%) regions(p < .05) and higher CA was noted additionally at hallux and lessor toes(by 26~63%). More anatomically-contoured insole and favorable mechanical characteristics may help reduce the plantar pressures more effectively and more evenly, especially across the central forefoot and midfoot regions of the plantar surface, especially for the design of the comfort shoes for the elderly.