Advancing Throwing Techniques in Athletes: Fabrication and Modeling of Novel Biomechanical Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Composite

This study investigates the design, fabrication, and characterization of a novel Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composite specifically engineered for high-performance knee braces in throwing athletes. The research moves beyond conventional bracing materials by focusing on the synergistic relationship between the carbon fiber architecture and a toughened epoxy matrix to achieve targeted mechanical properties. A unidirectional carbon fiber prepreg system was selected and processed via a customized vacuum bagging and autoclave cure cycle to produce laminates with optimal fiber-to-resin ratio and consolidation. Mechanical characterization revealed exceptional in-plane stiffness (Tensile Modulus: ۱۴۵ GPa) combined with a high ultimate tensile strength (۱,۸۰۰ MPa) and a controlled, progressive failure mode under flexural loading. Crucially, the laminate's stacking sequence was designed to provide high rigidity in the sagittal plane to resist hyperextension and valgus/varus stresses, while allowing controlled torsional flexibility. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulating the ground reaction forces during a throw showed that the CFRP brace reduced peak strain on the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) by over ۳۰% compared to an unbraced model. This article shows tailored CFRP composites with proper mechanical systems for energy dissipation and biomechanically-informed knee protection, enhancing athletic performance.

کلیدواژه ها:

Carbon fiber composites ، Polymer Matrix ، Knee Brace ، chemical properties ، finite element analysis ، Energy Dissipation ، Sports equipment