Abstract
Pressure injuries remain as a large challenge for the health care industry with hospitals responsible for more than half of the pressure injuries cases. [1] Current methods for pressure injury prevention are labor intensive or expensive. The use of hydrogels and diaelectric materials with reversible mechanical properties were investigated to generate 32 mm Hg pressure relief for pressure injury prevention. However, it was determined that the mechanical properties of these materials were inefficient in mechanical strength, activation time, or activation energy to be suitable for health care purposes. The use of low intensity ultrasound therapy was studied instead. A single crystal PZT ultrasound transducer capable of producing an acoustic pressure 1.5 W/cm2 was simulated in a steady-state COMSOL model. It was found that a single PZT-4 crystal with 1.16 mm thickness at an operating frequency and voltage of 830 kHz and 100 V respectively, with a tungsten backing and alumina matching layer, produced the best acoustic pressure profile for low intensity ultrasound therapy.
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Language
English (en)
Date of Submission
5-12-2026
Recommended Citation
Choh, Jeremy, "Investigation of New Surfaces for Pressure Injury Prevention" (2026). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 328.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/328