Development and Analysis of Composite Material using Honey comb Orientation of Bamboo Fiber and Epoxy Composite for Prosthetic Socket Application
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis focuses on utilizing honeycomb fiber orientation techniques to develop a prosthetic
socket with enhanced mechanical properties at a lower cost. The current challenges in prosthesis
production include the high cost of fibers and the inadequate strength of the composite fiber. To
address these issues, this research explores the tensile characteristics, water absorption and
impact strength of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites with an optimized material mix ratio
design.
The Finite Element Method for Numerical Analysis is employed to predict the desired properties
of the composite material. Using numerical analysis software solutions, the stacking sequence is
determined based on established standards. The newly designed prosthetic socket is evaluated for
improved qualities, such as stance stability, speed control, multiple speed adoption, shock
absorption, and reduced weight throughout the entire cycle.
By closely emulating nature, the study investigated the relationship between woven fiber
orientations and honeycomb pattern fiber orientations. It examines the optimal material mix ratio
design, as well as the best fiber orientation pattern and angle of fiber orientations. The obtained
results include a tensile strength of 53.4 MPa, compressive strength of 57.6 MPa, flexural strength
of 64.55 MPa, impact strength of 13.02 J/cm2, and water absorption rate of 2.31%.
The findings of this research aim to contribute to the development of low-cost, high-strength
composite materials for prosthetic sockets. Prosthetic socket designers can utilize these
recommendations to improve the overall performance and durability of prostheses.
Description
Keywords
Bamboo/epoxy, Honeycomb orientation, Prosthetic socket, Fiber stacking sequence, tensile characteristics, Energy absorption, Impact strength