Optimization of mass-produced trans-tibial prosthesis made of pultruded fiber reinforced plastic

Saito et al. [Mod. Plast. (1997) 175-177] have developed a low-cost transti bial prosthesis made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). The basic design of the prosthesis consists of an aluminum pylon, constant crosssection compos ite foot, and cosmetic cover. Aluminum supports are screwed into the foot s ection to increase the load bearing capacity. Replacing these supports with a single integrated FRP stiffener significantly reduce the cost of manufac turing while allowing for high strength, great durability, and smooth walki ng. Using FE analysis, the optimal location and orientation of the FRP stif fener were determined. The optimized model has a maximum Mises stress and s hear stress of 56.3 and 3.6 MPa respectively for a load of 1000 N. Failure of the prosthesis was predicted to occur at a load of 5200 N which fully sa tisfies the SO standard 10328 for prosthesis. Published by Elsevier Science S.A.