Microcracks and mechanical behaviour of corio-epidermal junction of equine hoof

Abstract

The corio-epidermal junction (CEJ) of equine hoof is highly vascularized, tough, but flexible suspensory apparatus between the wall of the hoof and the third distal phalanx. The connection created by leaf-like lamellae has a key role in the solidity and health of the hoof. In this study we focus on mechanical behaviour of CEJ under tensile loading and on the origin and spatial spreading of cracks of CEJ produced by stress exceeding the ultimate strength of the junction. The results show visible relation between mechanical results and structural parameters: the probability of rupture origin is higher in the case of small values of Young’s moduli of elasticity in region with small deformations and small values of 2D length density in dermal region.