In this paper two types of prostheses are described: the design is new and composite materials are used to save costs. The first is used for walking and it is made of a series of multi-layer composite laminas and combined with a pylon, which simulates the tibia and fibula. The second prosthesis is designed for running and it is made of a single multi-layer lamina. These prostheses have been experimentally tested by suitable equipments to perform static and fatigue tests. In the tests on prostheses for walking, the foot tip and heel region were alternatively loaded with an appropriate loading structure made of two hydraulic pistons, while a single load was applied on the specimens for running through a testing machine or again an actuator. The performed tests confirmed the structural resistance of the foot prostheses according to the standard. Finite element numerical models were analysed and validated by means of a comparison with the experimental results. These models are now a useful mean to optimize the prostheses design.

OPTIMIZATION OF CARBON FIBRE TRANS-TIBIAL PROSTHESES

COLOMBO, CHIARA;VERGANI, LAURA MARIA
2009-01-01

Abstract

In this paper two types of prostheses are described: the design is new and composite materials are used to save costs. The first is used for walking and it is made of a series of multi-layer composite laminas and combined with a pylon, which simulates the tibia and fibula. The second prosthesis is designed for running and it is made of a single multi-layer lamina. These prostheses have been experimentally tested by suitable equipments to perform static and fatigue tests. In the tests on prostheses for walking, the foot tip and heel region were alternatively loaded with an appropriate loading structure made of two hydraulic pistons, while a single load was applied on the specimens for running through a testing machine or again an actuator. The performed tests confirmed the structural resistance of the foot prostheses according to the standard. Finite element numerical models were analysed and validated by means of a comparison with the experimental results. These models are now a useful mean to optimize the prostheses design.
2009
9781617382277
composite materials; design; damage
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11311/559744
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