Stress Analysis of a Prosthetic Blade

Abstract

The aim of this study is to challenge the universally accepted design of the prosthetic running
blade. Through the application of three different forces to a simulation model of the standard
design, we can identify and enhance vulnerable areas. We then devised two potential design
alternatives, based on the simulation results from SolidWorks to lower the maximum Von Mises
stress within the model, thereby increasing the overall factor of safety. After performing the
same tests on each custom design, it became clear that the first design greatly reduced the stress
in all three aspects and proved to be a successful alternative. Despite its effectiveness in reducing
bending moment and shear stresses, the second design ultimately failed to reduce torsion stress
and proved unsafe when applied to the rear of the model with a force four times the average track
athlete's weight.