On the Applicability of F²MC Variable Impedance Materials for Prosthetic Devices

The applicability of variable modulus fluidic flexible matrix composites (F²MC) is investigated for development of prosthetic devices. The F²MC material is an innovative combination of high performance composite tubes containing high bulk modulus fluids. The new material system can potentially achieve several orders of magnitude change in stiffness through valve control. The F²MC material system is investigated in this research through analytical studies for active impedance control for load transfer reduction in a transtibial prosthetic sockets and impedance joint control for an ankle-foot orthoses (AFO). Preliminary analysis results indicate that the variable modulus system can reduce the load transfer between the limb and transtibial socket and can provide impedance tailoring for improving foot-slap in an AFO.