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Abstract
In this paper we present two and three dimensional finite element based numerical models of loaded bovine cortical bone that explicitly incorporate the dominant microstructural feature: the vascular channel or Haversian canal system. The finite element models along with the representation of the microstructure within them are relatively simple: two dimensional models, consisting of a structured mesh of linear elastic planar elements punctuated by a periodic distribution of circular voids, are used to represent beam samples of cortical bone in which the channels are orientated perpendicular to the sample major axis, while three dimensional models, employing a corresponding mesh of equivalent solid elements, represent those samples in which the canals are aligned with the axis. However, these models are exploited in an entirely novel approach involving the representation of material samples of different sizes and surface morphology. The numerical results obtained for the virtual material samples when loaded in bending indicate that they exhibit size effects not forecast by either classical (Cauchy) or more generalized elasticity theories. However, these effects are qualitatively consistent with those that we observed in a series of carefully conducted experiments involving the flexural testing of bone samples of different sizes. Encouraged by this qualitative agreement we have identified appropriate model parameters, primarily void volume fraction but also void separation and matrix modulus by matching the computed size effects to those we observed experimentally. Interestingly, the parameter choices that provide the most suitable match of these effects broadly concur with those we actually observed in cortical bone.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e2903 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 19 Jul 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Jan 2018 |
Keywords
- cortical bone
- mechanical behaviour
- size effect
- finite element analysis
- generalized continuum
- micropolar (Cosserat) elasticity
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Dive into the research topics of 'A numerical investigation and experimental verification of size effects in loaded bovine cortical bone'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Medical Devices Doctoral Training Centre Renewal / RS4786
Connolly, P., Bushell, T., Dawson, M., Gourlay, T., McCarron, J., Muddle, A., Riches, P. & Rowan, E.
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/10/08 → 31/03/18
Project: Research Studentship - Internally Allocated