Finite element analysis of a transtibial prosthetic during gait cycle

Abstract

Prosthesis is an artificial part used by amputees as an alternative device to support activities of daily life. It is used to replace the amputated limb and mimic the human movement and locomotion. This paper aims to analyze the stress distribution of a transtibial prosthetic leg during gait cycle using CATIA V5. The dimension of the prototype was based on an average dimension of an actual human foot of Malaysian. The prototype implemented the integration of mechanical and electrical components. Furthermore, the movement of the prototype are based on deviations of angle between pylon and foot. The deviations were detected by rotary angle sensor which then triggered the DC motor to operate. Static analysis had been done using Generative Structural Analysis workbench in CATIA V5 software. Peak von Mises stress were found on the foot at toe off. The highest von Mises stress at the pylon beam was 995MPa and has stress of 156MPa on top of the pylon during heel strike. Furthermore, the foot has peak stress up to 3.18MPa. The result presented here may facilitate improvement of cost-effective prosthetic leg.