http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 189 editor@iaeme.com International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET) Volume 8, Issue 1, January 2017, pp. 189–199, Article ID: IJMET_08_01_021 Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/issues.asp?JType=IJMET&VType=8&IType=1 ISSN Print: 0976-6340 and ISSN Online: 0976-6359 © IAEME Publication STRESS ANALYSIS OF EXTERNAL FIXATOR BASED ON STAINLESS STEEL AND COMPOSITE MATERIAL Nedim Pervan, Elmedin Mešić, Mirsad Čolić Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Design, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina ABSTRACT This paper describes the stress analysis of devices for external fixation based on composite materials and stainless steel, which was performed numerically in the software CATIA V5 and which results are verified experimentally. The aim of this paper is to explore the possibility of introducing composite materials in the construction of the connecting rod fixator comparing values of displacement, principal and von Mises stresses at characteristic points structure. We investigated constructional performance of external fixator with a connecting rod formed from composite materials, and other components of external fixator formed from stainless steel. CAD model of external fixator was made in the software system CATIA V5. Also, in the same software was conducted structural analysis of external fixator under axial compression, and results were compared with experimental test. Finally, in concluding observations, we noted some advantages and disadvantages of the application of composite materials at the external fixator. Key words: stress analysis, composite materials, external fixation, structural analysis, experimental testing. Cite this Article: Nedim Pervan, Elmedin Mešić and Mirsad Čolić. Stress Analysis of External Fixator Based on Stainless Steel and Composite Material. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 8(1), 2017, pp. 189–199. http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/issues.asp?JType=IJMET&VType=8&IType=1 1. INTRODUCTION It is known that in the world today looking for new, artificially created, materials which will be an adequate substitute for traditional metallic materials. Some of these materials are composite materials which conquering new markets so that the quantity and the possibility of their use is constantly growing. Today in orthopedic surgery in the preparation of the external fixation devices are commonly used biocompatible materials. They are those materials which exhibit good characteristics in contact with cells, tissues or body fluids. Namely, now in orthopedic surgery for making fixator are used primarily stainless steels, super alloys based on cobalt, titanium and its alloys, and less frequently composite materials. One of the main reasons why composite materials are less frequent in the development of external fixation devices is their insufficient research in this area. The aim of this paper is development a prototype of external fixator Sarafix based on stainless steel and composite materials, which should show the positive and negative effects of the introduction of composite materials in the fixator Sarafix.