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Modeling and Testing of Flexible Structures with Selected Planar Patterns Used in Biomedical Applications.
Pavel Marsalek1, Martin Sotola1, David Rybansky1
1Deparment of Applied Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 5, 2021
Summary
This study introduces 3D printed flexible structures (FS) with novel hole patterns, optimizing stiffness and load-bearing capacity for biomedical applications like orthoses and prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Flexible structures (FS) achieve reduced stiffness through gap geometry, not material properties.
- Traditional methods lack focus on optimizing FS for specific mechanical responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop and validate a non-linear computational model for FS stiffness.
- Identify optimal planar patterns for stiffness-to-load-bearing capacity ratio.
- Explore applications in biomedical devices.
Main Methods:
- Virtual prototyping and laboratory testing of 3D printed FS.
- Development of a non-linear computational model for structural analysis.
- Experimental verification and parametric study of selected patterns.
Main Results:
- A validated computational model accurately predicts FS stiffness.
- Identified specific patterns offering superior stiffness-to-load-bearing capacity.
- Demonstrated the potential of Nylon-Polyamide 12 for 3D printed FS.
Conclusions:
- The developed model enables precise prediction of FS mechanical behavior.
- Optimized FS designs can enhance performance in biomedical applications.
- This research provides a foundation for novel adaptive cushion and orthotic designs.
