Numerical and Experimental Mechanical Analysis of Additively Manufactured Ankle-Foot Orthoses.

ABSTRACT: Growing age and different conditions often require the replacement of orthoses, and FDM-based 3D printing can produce them quickly with less investment. In today's market for orthotics, these characteristics are highly desired. Therefore, this study is fully focused on the optimization and strength analysis of FDM 3D-printed ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) fabricated using PLA and PLA reinforced with carbon fiber (PLA-C). An increase in ankle plantar-flexor force can be achieved by reinforcing thermoplastic AFOs with CFs. Specially designed mechanical strength tests were conducted at the UTM to generate force-displacement curves for stored elastic energy and fracture studies. The mechanical behavior of both AFOs was predicted with the help of an FEA. The model predictions were validated by compa

SUBMITTER: Raj R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9457881 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature