Modeling and analysis of a prosthetic foot: A numerical simulation case study.

BACKGROUND

The prosthetic foot is an essential component of the prosthetic limb used by people who suffer from amputation. The prosthetic foot or limb is expensive in developing countries and cannot be used by most people with special needs.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, an uncomplicated prosthetic foot is designed that can be manufactured at low costs using 3D printer technology and can be provided to a wide range of amputees. The foot was designed using CAD software and analyzed using ANSES.

METHODS

Carbon fiber material was chosen to be suitable for the manufacturing process using 3D printer technology. The selected material was tested in tensile and fatigue tests to determine its mechanical properties. The numerical analysis was carried out assuming the use of an artificial foot by a patient weighing 85 kg.

RESULTS

The results showed that the material proposed for manufacturing has good mechanical properties for this application. The results of the engineering analysis also showed that the model has successfully passed the design process and is reliable for use by amputees.

CONCLUSION

The success model designed in this study in the numerical analysis process gives reliability to the use of this design to manufacture the prosthetic foot.