Design, Modelling and Optimization of Artificial Limb for Lower-Extremity Amputees Based on CATIA

Abstract

Mechanical engineering applications complement biomedical engineers to attain best performance in prosthesis. Appropriate design of artificial limbs for lower-extremity amputees provides a prosthesis that improves the quality of life. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) have been used for the development and improvement in performance of artificial limb. Depending on the residual part of limb, the prosthesis may be custom designed. Modified design built of strong but light-weight material and flexible biocompatible interface socket that minimizes the risk of dermatological breakdown of residual limb may be developed. This paper reports designing three-dimensional model in modelling software Computer-aided three-dimensional interaction and application software (CATIA V5) and converting it to a finite element model. The model was imported to Solver ANSYS R16.0 for meshing followed by stress and deformation analysis for stainless steel and carbon fibre. From the obtained results of stress, deformation values and weight, carbon fibre was selected as the material for building principle components of the limb. The FE model may be re-modified and reproduced to achieve higher efficiency.