Title :
Mechanical characterization of prosthetic feet using a Prosthetic Foot Loading Apparatus
Author :
Sam, Michel ; Hansen, Andrew H. ; Childress, Dudley S.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Phys. Med. & Rehabilitation, Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL, USA
Abstract :
A Prosthetic Foot Loading Apparatus (PFLA) was modified and improved to measure the mechanical properties of different prosthetic feet. In this paper the properties of a SACH foot and a Flexwalk foot are examined to demonstrate application of the device. Roll-over shape of the feet was determined using a shank-based coordinate system. Damping ratios (ζ=0.064 for SACH and ζ=0.028 for Flexwalk) and resonant frequencies (ωn=5.46 Hz for SACH and ω n=2.90 Hz for Flexwalk) were also obtained. Roll-over shapes and damping ratios influence foot performance during walking. The PFLA is valuable for determining mechanical properties of commercially available prosthetic feet and as well as for evaluating design prototypes for new prosthetic feet
Keywords :
artificial limbs; biomechanics; mechanical testing; 2.90 Hz; 5.46 Hz; Flexwalk foot; damping ratios; design prototypes evaluation; dynamic testing; foot performance; prosthetic feet mechanical characterization; prosthetic foot loading apparatus; resonant frequencies; roll-over shape; walking; Biomedical measurements; Capacitive sensors; Damping; Foot; Force measurement; Mechanical factors; Mechanical variables measurement; Potentiometers; Prosthetics; USA Councils;
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2000. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
Chicago, IL
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-6465-1
DOI :
10.1109/IEMBS.2000.900479
