Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Performance, Interface Pressure Distribution, and Structural Safety of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Below-Knee Prosthetic Sockets

Authors

Saif M. Abbas, Al-Nahrain University, College of Engineering, Prosthetics and Orthotics Engineering Department, 10069, Iraq.
Kadhim K. Resan, Materials Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10045, Iraq.
Mohammed Ali Abdulrehman, Materials Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10045, Iraq.Follow
Ali M. Flayyih, Materials Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10045, Iraq.

Abstract

In this study, below-knee prosthetic sockets reinforced with glass-fiber composites were investigated experimentally and numerically. In compliance with the ASTM guidelines, two lay-up configurations were constructed and tested for tensile and fatigue strengths. During the gait trials, the F-socket system was used to measure the interface pressure distribution. Stress, deformation, and safety factor responses under physiological loading conditions were simulated using complementary finite element analysis (FEA). With the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and fatigue life significantly improved in the reinforced group, the results demonstrated that the 10-layer laminate displayed superior mechanical performance relative to the 8-layer laminate; however, this enhancement is indicative of the behavior of these two particular configurations and should not be extrapolated to all composite layup design. The results of the socket suspension and the potential clinical hazards that could occur due to skin breakdown were revealed through interface pressure distribution measurements that took place on the posterior and lateral zones. The results were further verified with the aid of numerical analysis techniques that indicated lower von Mises stresses, deformation value, and higher safety factors than the known biological limits. This clearly proves that the best composite laminates contribute significantly toward enhanced patient safety and better prosthetic socket designs.

Keywords

Glass fiber-reinforced composite (GFRC), below-knee prosthetic socket, interface pressure distribution, finite element analysis (FEA), rehabilitation engineering

Publication Date

2026

Received Date

20/09/2025

Revised Date

19/11/2025

Accepted Date

16/12/2025

Recommended Citation

Abbas, Saif M.; Resan, Kadhim K.; Abdulrehman, Mohammed Ali; and Flayyih, Ali M. (2026) "Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Performance, Interface Pressure Distribution, and Structural Safety of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Below-Knee Prosthetic Sockets," ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development: Vol. 42: No. 3, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61931/2224-9028.1650
Available at: https://ajstd.ubd.edu.bn/journal/vol42/iss3/9