Finite Element Analysis of a Prosthetic Foot

Ann Schmitz
University of Wisconsin – Madison, USA

At UW Madison, Anne Schmitz and Heidi Ploeg use the FEA Abaqus product suite to simulate stiffness testing of a prosthetic foot, called the Niagara Foot The foot is made of a viscoelastic polymer and exhibits nonlinear stiffness characteristics. As the foot deflects, it self interacts to change the stiffness properties associated with the foot’s geometry. The results were compared to results of force versus deflection obtained from the lab. This comparison showed us that the experimental procedure needs to be better defined so a more repeatable testing method can be obtained.

For more information visit www.niagarafoot.com.