1 Copyright © 2015 by ASME ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition November 17-20, 2015, Houston, Texas, USA IMECE2015-52202 Design and Manufacturing of Fast Prosthetic Below Knee Socket Ikram R. Abd Al-razaq College of Engineering Al-Mustansiriyah University Baghdad/ Iraq Asst.Prof.Dr. Kadhim K. Resan College of Engineering Al-Mustansiriyah University Baghdad /Iraq Eng.ikramraad@Gmail.com kadkinani@Gmail.com Dr.Yasir Khalil Ibrahim College of Engineering Al-Mustansiriyah University Baghdad, Iraq Yasiralani05@yahoo.com ABSTRACT The large numbers terrorist attacks in Iraq led to the rise of the amputation numbers. However,typically 80% of the amputations are trans-tibial(below knee lower limb amputations).This research included the fabrication of a new type of socket by a new method (modular socket system) that used direct lamination on residual limb of patients. Socket materials were subjected to tensile and creep (50 0 C) tests in order to determine their mechanical properties. Creep test data were analyzed in order to obtain the time dependent relaxation modulus using the Maxwell-Weichart model. The socket failure characteristics at room temperature and at high temperature were determined by fatigue testing .Interface pressure between the socket and the residual limb was calculated using F-Socket software. In addition,a numerical method was used to find the safety factor on socket by using AutoCAD software in 2014 and the program ANSYS 15.Finally the results of testing is compared with the results of traditional method (vacuum molding technique)in order to choose the best and comfortable method that used for socket manufactured. Key words: modular socket system, amputation, residual limb, creep . NOMENCLATURE MSS Modular Socket System BK Below Knee E Elastic modulus of spring η Viscosity of damping element p Elements (spring and damper) 1- INTRODUCTION A prosthesis is often used to restore appearance and functional activity to persons having lower limb amputation. Below Knee (BK) prostheses are typically comprised of four major components as shown in Figure (1) ,these are: 1) Socket 2) Pylon (shank) 3) Foot prosthetic 4) Couplings Coupling between the residual limb and the prosthesis is typically achieved by a socket,which surrounds the stump, and to which the remaining components of the prosthesis are attached [1] .The socket is the interface between the patient's body and an artificial prosthesis ,for a lower limb amputee the fit of the socket can determine the value of the prosthesis. Historically, the production of prosthetic sockets has depended on the experience of prosthetists [2] . Figure 1. The components of a below knee prosthesis [3] .