Bending Strength Test and Evaluation of a Transtibial Prosthetic Socket Fabricated by Selective Laser Sintering

Abstract

Transtibial prosthetic sockets made using selective laser sintering (SLS) of Duraform (Trademark) polyamide have no documented failure data. To produce prostheses with safe weight and usage limits, a nonstandard bending test was needed to determine the maximum safe loading of the socket and to recommend design improvements. The bending test was designed to replicate forces experienced by a wearer stepping down and forward as from a slight elevation. This test, along with a finite element analysis, provided information about the force limitations and weakest point of the socket. Suggestions for improving the design incorporated this information and laid the groundwork for further improvements. (21 figures, 15 refs.)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA426146

Entities

People

  • Amanda J. Brooks

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amputees
  • Bending Moments
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Geometry
  • Lower Limb Prostheses
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medical Personnel
  • Prostheses And Implants
  • Residual Limbs
  • Selective Laser Sintering
  • Surgical Amputations
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care for Military Service Members and Veterans with Limb Loss or Disability.
  • Structural Dynamics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy