Development of a Metamaterial Numerical Model for Improving 3D-Printed Lower-Limb Prosthetic Liners

Abstract

Lower limb prosthetic liners predominantly consist of solid elastomers or foam-like polymers, offering minimal room for customization due to constraints in the manufacturing process and materials used. The non-linear material characteristics of biological tissue and the intricate geometry of residual limbs underscore the importance of tailored prosthetic liners to enhance comfort and ensure stability within the liner-prosthesis interface. Additive technologies, particularly 3D printing, enable the rapid manufacturing of intricate shapes using diverse, flexible materials, facilitating extensive customisation. This study focuses on investigating the mechanical properties of 3D-printed metamaterial structures, exploring variations in types of unit cells and cellular density. Through the development of material models and subsequent analysis employing uniaxial compression test results and numerical simulations, this research aims to assess the potential of 3D-printed metamaterial structures in tailoring lower-limb prosthetic liners to provide lower and more uniform contact pressure between the residual limb and the prosthesis while ensuring the stability of the prosthesis.

Keywords: Metamaterial Model, Gyroid Structure, 3D Printing, Lower-Limb Prosthetic, Finite Element Method, Prosthetic Liners

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005546