Russian scientists have developed a method for 3D printing prostheses based on carbon fibers

CrimeaPRESS reports:

Scientists from the Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU) have developed a method for the production of exoprostheses based on 3D printing and carbon fibers. The development will allow creating durable and high-quality prostheses for people who have lost a limb, which take into account all the individual characteristics of the body, they said. TASS in the University. An article with the results of the study was published in the journal Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design.

The results are expected to allow the design of exoprosthesis designs that combine the personalized geometry achieved through the possibilities of 3D printing and improved mechanical properties through the use of continuous fibers.— the words of Mikhail Tashkinov, Associate Professor of the Department «Dynamics and Strength of Machines» of PNRPU, Leading Researcher of the Research Laboratory «Mechanics of Biocompatible Materials and Devices» are quoted.

He also noted that the development is important for the effective rehabilitation of patients with damage and loss of limbs.

According to the researcher, exoprostheses are an external construction that creates an analogue of a lost limb. The connection between the body and the prosthesis is provided by an orthopedic sleeve. When designing it, it is necessary to take into account the geometry of the remaining limb and the interaction of the prosthesis with soft tissues. Scientists at the Perm Polytechnic University have developed a model of such a sleeve for an exoprosthesis made by 3D printing from polymer materials reinforced with carbon fibers.

The researchers created 16 mathematical models of the prosthesis, which made it possible to study its mechanical interaction with muscle tissue. Models with different arrangement of carbon fibers and different polymers were considered. So scientists determined the best combination of material properties, and also found the optimal distance between carbon fibers.

According to Tashkinov, of particular interest to scientists was the study of the interaction between the prosthesis and muscle tissue. Therefore, they simulated human soft tissues and examined their interaction with the prosthesis in each model. As a result, it was found that at low elasticity of the polymer material, carbon fiber reinforcement plays an important role in the distribution of stress in the prosthesis sleeve. In this case, the best strength characteristics are achieved with a uniform distribution of carbon fibers.

The design and modeling of the prosthesis sleeve was carried out as part of the research under the mega-grant program, and the study of the positioning of carbon fibers was carried out with the support of the Russian Science Foundation.

Megagrants is a program of international cooperation between Russian universities and scientific organizations with world-class scientists and leading foreign scientific and educational centers in the fields of science, education and innovation. It started in 2010, its goal is to create world-class research laboratories under the guidance of leading scientists in Russian universities and scientific organizations.

Within the framework of the program, a research laboratory «Mechanics of biocompatible materials and devices» was opened at PNRPU. Federal support until the end of 2023 is 90 million rubles.

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