When science met stilettos: my most unusual pressure mapping challenge
I was visiting a customer recently when someone asked me, “What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever pressure-mapped?”
It’s a fair question — after all, since Interface began supplying XSensor’s advanced pressure mapping systems and sensors back in 2007, I’ve tested everything from tyre footprints and car door seals to beds, seating, and surgical equipment. But one project stands out from all the rest — and it involved high heels, a TV studio, and comedian Lee Mack.
Sky TV had contacted us about a segment for their show Duck Quacks Don’t Echo, a comedy science programme where celebrity guests present unusual facts or theories that get tested live on air. My task? To measure and compare the pressure exerted on the ground by a heavy soil compactor (a rammer) and a pair of women’s stiletto heels.
The theory, proposed by presenter Lorraine Kelly, was that a woman in high heels would exert more pressure per square centimetre than the rammer. And as the resident expert, I was asked to come on the show to measure the pressure from the working Rammer, then from Lorraine Kelly in a pair of stilettos.
Coming on TV to stand next to a roaring rammer and then measuring pressure beneath a pair of stilettos wasn’t exactly what I was expecting to do that day. Not a typical day at the office! But it certainly made for great television — and even better science.
And in case you’re wondering: yes, Lorraine Kelly’s heels really did out-press the rammer.
The artist and film producer, Andy Warhol, once said that in the future, everyone will get fifteen minutes of fame. Mine came — and went — in a flash of stilettos and soil compactors.
Pressure mapping – find out more
The sensor used for this test was XSensor’s IX510:64.64.04 stance pad sensor.
Connected to XSensor’s Pro software via XSensor’s dedicated electronics.
If you’d like to explore pressure mapping for your own (perhaps less glamorous) application, we’d be delighted to help. Whether it’s tyres, seating, or something entirely out of the ordinary, Interface’s XSensor systems can measure it with precision. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help with your latest project.
Learn more about the IX510:64.64.04 stance pad sensor →
FAQ: Understanding the Science Behind Pressure Mapping
Q: What is “Pressure Mapping?”
A: Pressure mapping is the process of measuring and visualising the distribution and magnitude of force (pressure) over a specific contact area. It uses specialised sensors to create a high-resolution “map” showing where the most and least pressure is being applied. This is crucial for things like designing comfortable seating, analysing tyre footprints, or, in this case, comparing the force of a stiletto heel to a rammer.
Q: What is a “Rammer” (or Soil Compactor)?
A: A rammer is a heavy-duty machine used in construction and groundwork to compact soil, gravel, or other materials. It works by repeatedly dropping or driving a heavy plate onto the ground, exerting a significant total force. The article specifically refers to a heavy soil compactor.
Q: What is the difference between “Force” and “Pressure per Square Centimetre?”
A: This is the core concept of the experiment!
- Force is the total push or pull on an object (like the total weight of the rammer or the person in the heels).
- Pressure is the force distributed over a specific area. The formula is: $Pressure = \frac{Force}{Area}$.
A rammer applies a large total force, but a stiletto heel concentrates a person’s weight into a tiny area (the heel tip). By dividing the force by that tiny area, the pressure ($\text{force/area}$) of the stiletto can dramatically exceed that of a much heavier machine!
Q: What is the XSensor IX510:64.64.04 Stance Pad Sensor?
A: This is the specific tool used to measure the pressure.
– XSensor is the brand of advanced pressure-mapping technology used by Interface.
- The Stance Pad Sensor is a large, mat-like sensor designed to measure the pressure distribution under a person’s feet (their “stance”). The numbers (like 64.64.04) refer to the density and type of sensors within the pad, ensuring high accuracy for both a rammer’s base and a small heel.
Interface Force solutions
Interface Force Measurements Ltd is the master distributor for Interface load cells in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and North Africa. Interface’s success is due to a global network and partnership with Interface Force Measurements Ltd. We are technical experts on our load cells, torque transducers, sensors, instrumentation and services and can help you with your applications requiring an Interface solution.
As well as being the exclusive representative for Interface products, we also have exclusive distribution for other major industry sensor brands including: DDM Sensor Solutions, AMTI Force Measurement Systems, GP:50 Pressure Sensors and XSENSOR Intelligent Dynamic Sensing solutions.
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