Introduction: the first artificial limbs below the hip where designed by an engineering student, J.E. Hanger in 1861.

Major improvements in this sector have eventuallly led disabled poeple to become more able and even famous athletes. The manufacture of such limbs involves an intricate process and a specific selection of materials due to various properties which wil be discussed throughout this report. The requirements of the material are : Low youngs modulus(modulus of elasticity/) <100gpa

During its use, the J-Blade will experience large forces put ionto action by the user upon impact with the ground. Therefore the structure is compressed and temporarily deformed (elasticly) . A low youngs modulus would imply that the structure is easily bendable thus making the system more efficient and comfortable.There fore Elasticity and Flexibility are an important aspect when considering the correct material.

Superior strenght >3GPA(tensile strenght)

Whilst ruinnng athletes exert large forces on such apparel. Therefore, the prosthetic limb must be capable of absorbing these forces without shattering or becoming permanaetly deformed. Structural stability is a feature which goes hand in hand with tensile strengtht(structural stabitly refers to the J blades ability to withstand loads and forces.

Low density 1800kg/m3

Since this piece of equipment is used in an activity where mass is a vital factor. A low density would imply a lower mass and therefore a reduced value for opposing forces to the athlete.(crbon fibre is brittle when not in a ploymer composite)

Past and Present Materials used

In the past prostethic limbs consisted of heavy steel structures and leather sockets(used to attach the artificial limb to the body). Wood was also widely used but it had a high degradation factor and was relatively heavy(relative to the trensile strenght it provides). Different types of wood that were used include willow and maple.

Due to a lack of technology, the comfort and efficiency offered by such devices was not adequate. The further understanding of materials and the mechanics that govern them has led to the modern prostethic limb such as the cheetah(picture).

The structure of such a limb tries to mimic the movement of the fastest animal on land; the cheetah.

The materials used nowadays to construct the Jshaped part of the limb is a carbon fibre composite; A CFRP(carbon fibre reinforced polymer). The polymers used are usually epoxy CFRPs. These are composite materials; the matrix is the polymer and the reinforcement consists of carbon fibres. CFRPs are chosen because they are lightweight, provide a high tensile strenght and are elastic.

Manufacturing Process

This part of the prosthetic limb is manufactured using the vacuum bagging method.

The mould is first waxed and polished thoroughly and a release agent is applied on the surface. The fabric is laid on the mould and the resin is applied. The mould is placed in a vacuum bag and a vacuum is applied using a pump. It is then left to cure for a long period of time. The vacuum bag can then be removed and the carbon fibre product may be removed from the mould. The mould can be used repeatdly. Since different parts of the structure experience different levels of stress, The thicknes of the blade is not uniform throughout. Points of interest include the toe portion(the material is thiner; flexibilty is requied)

An athlete performing in a proffesional race with the cheetah J-leg <http://answers.bettor.com/ images/Articles/thumbs/extr alarge/2010_9_42010_9_4_7_17_33-jpg-

Advantages and disadvanages of using carbon fibre

+When a user is running, the prosthesis "J" curve is compressed at impact, storing energy and absorbing high levels of stress that would otherwise be absorbed by the runners ankle, knee, hip, and lower back. At the end of stance phase, the "J curve returns back to its original shape, releasing the stored energy and propelling the user forward. The Flex-Foot Cheetah is designed to have more layers of carbon at higher stress points, such as the apex of the "J" curve, and less carbon where more flexibility is needed, such as the toe portion. Importantly, the Flex-Foot Cheetah has no heel component. This ensures that the prosthetic foots reaction accurately mimics that of an able-bodied runner replicating both the stance and swing phases of running. (http://www.ossur.com/? PageID=13462 2nd November 2, 2011)

+It is light weigh compared to other materials which may substitute the carbon fiber composite.

+Resistant to effects of temperature.

+Provides a damping effect.

-A disadvantage of using carbon fibre composites is that they are very expensive to manufacture -Relatively hard to mold