MScE Defence - Emma Snow - Department of Mechanical Engineering-FR

Event date(s): August 14, 2026
Time(s): 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Category: Fredericton
Location: Fredericton

Abstract

Traditional manufacturing methods of lower limb prosthetic sockets are often deemed costly, wasteful, and time consuming. Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a promising alternative for producing customizable and efficient socket designs. Compared to traditional methods, AM can reduce costs, production time, and material waste. Despite these advantages, the adoption of these techniques in Canada has been limited due to the apprehension of the structural integrity of sockets manufactured by AM techniques versus traditional methods.

This study evaluated the structural performance of fused deposition modelling (FDM) transtibial prosthetic trial sockets. The experimental and numerical framework combined material characterization, full-scale socket testing, and finite element analysis (FEA) modelling. Experimental material and socket testing results were used to calibrate, validate, and verify a static FEA model of the socket testing configuration. Candidate material models were evaluated, and a transversely isotropic material model with Hill anisotropic plasticity was selected to represent the anisotropic behaviour of FDM PCTG. The final model identified high-stress regions corresponding with experimentally observed fatigue fracture locations.

This work established the groundwork for a validated and verified modelling framework capable of integrating experimentally characterized material behaviour into the structural assessment of FDM PCTG transtibial sockets. The presented framework provides a foundation for future studies examining the effects of manufacturing parameters, material selection, clinical configuration, and fatigue loading, ultimately supporting the safe and informed adoption of AM for prosthetic socket fabrication.

Building: n/a - VIRTUAL

Room Number: Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21736974686442?p=57pk51v1cPjMsKCYMt