DESIGN OF AN HEEL TESTING MACHINE FOR IMPACT AND IMPACT FATIGUE LOADING

Experimental test methods for the evaluation of the resistance of heels of ladies’ shoes in impact and impact fatigue loading are well-defined by ISO standard procedures that indicate all the conditions of experiment. A first Standard specifies the test method for determining the impact strength of the heels [1]. The result provides an assessment of the liability to failure under the occasional heavy blows. A second Standard [2] specifies a test method for determining the ability of heels of ladies’ shoes to withstand the repeated small impacts provoked by normal walking. These Standards strictly define the features for two different devices (with specific materials, geometries, weights, etc.) and all the experimental procedures to be followed during the tests. This paper describes the technical solutions used to design one single experimental machine able to perform impact testing of heels in both conditions. Joining the accuracy of mechanic movements with the speed of an electronic control system, a new and versatile equipment for the complete experimental characterization of heels was developed.