Análisis de esfuerzo por el método de elementos finitos en el proceso de diseño de pie artificial

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to describe the advances in the design of a simple manufacturing artificial foot. Considering that low cost solutions, to cover the demand of handicap persons, is a necessity in developing countries, the aim of this research is to contribute to solve part of the problem. The conceptual design of the artificial foot here described includes dynamic response, without articulations. The finite element method is use to perform stress and displacement analysis of the proposed artificial foot. The design process consists in the consecutive modifications of the geometry of original proposed model; initially to diminish the maximum stress value. Once the admissible equivalent stress is reached, the geometry modifications are performed to reduce weight of the model and increase flexibility. The last version of the proposed model is shown in this article. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.