Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of the Thermal Conditions in a Lower-Limb Prosthesis Socket

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Abstract
Achieving optimal thermal comfort for individuals using prosthetic devices remains a challenge despite advances in prosthetic technology. Understanding and predicting the thermal behavior inside the prosthetic socket are crucial for improving user comfort and device performance. In this study, the thermal conditions within a transtibial prosthetic socket were analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with the ANSYS Fluent software. The simulation accounted for heat transfer by conduction, convection, and metabolic heat generation to estimate temperature distribution across the residual limb tissues. The results showed that the skin temperature near bony regions was lower than that over muscular areas. Under basal (rest) conditions, the region with higher metabolic activity (muscular tissue) exhibited a maximum temperature of 33.5 °C, while areas of lower activity reached 30.2 °C. During walking—a light physical activity—the overall temperature change relative to the basal condition was modest, with the largest difference being less than 2 °C. These findings indicate that local metabolism strongly influences thermal distribution, and CFD provides a reliable non-invasive tool for investigating thermal comfort in lower limb prostheses.

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