A Novel Computational Model for Traction Performance Characterization of Footwear Outsoles with Horizontal Tread Channels

Slips and falls are among the most serious public safety hazards. Adequate friction at shoe–floor contact is necessary to reduce these risks. In presence of slippery fluids such as water or oil, footwear outsole crucial for ensuring appropriate traction. While influence flooring contaminants on traction has been extensively studied across several surfaces, limited studies have investigated science design how it affects performance. this work, tread channels a commonly found pattern, i.e., horizontally oriented treads, was varied parametrically widths (i.e., 2, 4, 6 mm) gaps 3, 4 mm). Nine designs were developed their traction, fluid pressures, flow rates during slipping estimated using mechanical slip testing CFD-based computational framework. Outsoles which had wider surfaces showed increased risks wet flooring. with large exhibited performance when slipped (R2 = 0.86). These novel results anticipated provide valuable insights into important guidelines manufacturers optimize surface risk slips falls. addition this, presented framework could help develop better further solve problem.