Structural reinforcements on AFO's: A study using computer-aided design and finite element method

The opening of cracks on the lateral sides of AFO's is a common problem due to the stress forces applied during the gait cycle. The problem can usually be prevented with the inclusion of structural reinforcements in the expected cracking zone of the AFO. This study proposes an approach to evaluate the effect of the applied reinforcements to the AFO's, quantifying the stress forces and deformation experienced by the orthotic device during the stance phase of the gait. For that, a CAD file of an AFO had to be crated and then edited using CAD software (ANSYS® SpaceClaim® Direct Modeler™) in order to create a geometry suitable to be analyzed by a CAE software (ANSYS® Workbench™™ with the Finite Element Method (FEM). Besides the digital model, different input conditions, such as forces (for dynamic conditions), supports (for static conditions) and material properties were defined and analyzed.