Experimental validation of a nonlinear μFE model based on cohesive-frictional plasticity for trabecular bone

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Materials Science
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Trabecular bone's porous structure is crucial for load-bearing and fracture prediction.
• Understanding its structure-mechanical properties is vital for assessing fracture risk and bone implant performance.
• Microcomputed tomography-based finite element modeling (μFE) is a key tool for this analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and validate a nonlinear cohesive-frictional material model for trabecular bone within a large-scale computational framework.
• To assess the model's accuracy in predicting trabecular bone's mechanical response under tension and compression across varying bone properties.
• To establish a reliable computational method for analyzing trabecular bone behavior and its changes due to aging, disease, or treatment.

Main Methods:

• Development of a nonlinear cohesive-frictional material model for trabecular bone.
• Implementation of the model in a large-scale computational framework.
• Validation of the model through μFE simulations compared against experimental uniaxial tension and compression tests.

Main Results:

• The computational model demonstrated good agreement with experimental data regarding stiffness and yield points.
• Accurate predictions were achieved across a range of bone volume fractions and degrees of anisotropy.
• The model successfully captured failure mechanisms in trabecular bone from three anatomical sites and multiple donors.

Conclusions:

• The validated nonlinear model accurately represents trabecular bone's mechanical behavior and failure modes.
• This computational approach provides a robust tool for predicting age- and disease-related bone fractures.
• The model's ability to capture structural-mechanical relationships can inform the design and assessment of bone implant systems.