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A nonlocal constitutive model for trabecular bone softening in compression.
Mathieu Charlebois1, Milan Jirásek, Philippe K Zysset
1Department of Mechanics, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic. mathieu@ilsb.tuwien.ac.at
Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology
|March 19, 2010
Summary
This study introduces a new computational model for trabecular bone, accurately simulating its mechanical behavior, including stiffness loss and softening. This finite element (FE) model enhances understanding of bone strength and failure under compression.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Materials Science
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Finite element (FE) models using computed tomography (CT) data can assess bone stiffness and strength.
- Accurate constitutive laws are needed to simulate complex bone structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel 3D constitutive law for trabecular bone.
- To capture irreversible strain, stiffness loss, and softening beyond yield and ultimate points.
Main Methods:
- Formulated a constitutive law based on damage coupled with anisotropic elastoplasticity.
- Utilized density and fabric-based tensors.
- Implemented a nonlocal averaging technique to prevent mesh dependence.
- Integrated the law into FE software for simulations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the model's ability to simulate trabecular bone compressive behavior.
- Illustrated the impact of softening on inelastic process localization in vertebral body compression simulations.
Conclusions:
- The proposed constitutive law accurately captures key mechanical features of trabecular bone.
- The model provides a valuable tool for simulating bone mechanics and understanding failure mechanisms.
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