Preprocessing a Static Finite Elements Simulation for a Transtibial Prosthesis Using Cae Tools

Abstract

People with physical-motor disabilities who make use of prosthetic devices, have the need for these prostheses to be designed to fulfill the tasks of their daily lives, regardless of the level of physical activity they maintain. This particular problem can be approached from the mechanical design of the prostheses, having as a critical stage, the validation of the components designed for its operation. Therefore, to improve the designs, a stage of determining the forces that the device must withstand is necessary. For this reason, a stage where all the forces affecting the prosthesis are determined is necessary. For this work, simulations can be used in specialized programs and finite element analysis methods to detail the behavior of virtual models under specific conditions critical to the design. This document focuses on the approach of a computerized motion analysis to structure the pre-processing of a static finite element simulation, used in the design of a transtibial prosthesis for a Paralympic cyclist, and thus evidence the behavior of the proposed prosthesis model under the charges present during competition.

Keywords: Mechanical Design, Finite Element Analysis, CAD Modeling, Transtibial Prosthesis, Motion Analysis