Revolutionizing Prosthetic Design with Auxetic Metamaterials and Structures: A Review of Mechanical Properties and Limitations

Abstract

Prosthetics have come a long way since their inception, and recent advancements in materials science have enabled the development of prosthetic devices with improved functionality and comfort. One promising area of research is the use of auxetic metamaterials in prosthetics. Auxetic materials have a negative Poisson’s ratio, which means that they expand laterally when stretched, unlike conventional materials, which contract laterally. This unique property allows for the creation of prosthetic devices that can better conform to the contours of the human body and provide a more natural feel. In this review article, we provide an overview of the current state of the art in the development of prosthetics using auxetic metamaterials. We discuss the mechanical properties of these materials, including their negative Poisson’s ratio and other properties that make them suitable for use in prosthetic devices. We also explore the limitations that currently exist in implementing these materials in prosthetic devices, including challenges in manufacturing and cost. Despite these challenges, the future prospects for the development of prosthetic devices using auxetic metamaterials are promising. Continued research and development in this field could lead to the creation of more comfortable, functional, and natural-feeling prosthetic devices. Overall, the use of auxetic metamaterials in prosthetics represents a promising area of research with the potential to improve the lives of millions of people around the world who rely on prosthetic devices.

Thermal Conductivity and Temperature Dependency of Magnetorheological Fluids and Application Systems—A Chronological Review

“…Some advantages and disadvantages of each control strategy were discussed in terms of control performance, practical implementation, cost-effectiveness, signal processing of the feedback states, and wide applicability to diverse MRF applications. Fardan et al [32] summarized the research trend of auxetic metamaterials, which have the potential to be developed primarily for use in prosthetic devices, protective devices, robotic applications, and aerospace engineering, by treating MRF as one of the metamaterials, since its inherent characteristics are controllable by the input current. Among many applications, the prosthetic design was fully discussed, showing some features such as the negative Poisson's ratio effect and other relevant properties.…”

“…(5) Metamaterials: One short review treated MRF as one of several auxetic metamaterials, which have the capability to control their properties and, therefore, are applicable to several dynamic systems. Only the subject of MR prosthetics was considered at this stage, in terms of the negative Poisson's ratio effect and other relevant properties of metamaterials [27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. …”

Design of a Transtibial Prosthetic Pylon Using Auxetic Metamaterials: Simulation and Experimental Validation

“…There has been some form of implementa-tion of auxetic metamaterial as mechanical energy absorption for the foot part of a prosthetic. Other research focused on provid-ing improved comfort for users by providing auxetic metamaterials on the surface of the socket (interface part) for lower limb prosthetics [11]. Neither of these two types of research implements auxetic metamaterial as an actuator, rather more akin to a mechanical damper for dissipating mechanical energy.…”