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Mechanoluminescent Visualization of Crack Propagation for Joint Evaluation
Published on: January 6, 2023
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An interface damage model that captures crack propagation at the microscale in cortical bone using XFEM.
Anna Gustafsson1, Hanifeh Khayyeri1, Mathias Wallin2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|November 26, 2018
Summary
Computational models simulate crack propagation in cortical bone, revealing how microstructural changes affect fracture resistance. This tool aids in assessing fracture risk in an aging population.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Materials Science
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Aging populations face increased fracture risk.
- Experimental measurement of local bone damage is challenging.
- Computational models offer insights into bone fracture resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a microscale computational model for crack propagation in cortical bone.
- Analyze the influence of microstructural features on crack trajectory.
- Investigate the impact of cement line interface strength on fracture resistance.
Main Methods:
- Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) for 2D crack propagation modeling.
- Incorporation of maximum principal strain criterion.
- Development of an interface damage formulation for cement lines.
Main Results:
- The model successfully captured experimental observations of crack deflection at osteon boundaries.
- Weak cement line interfaces reoriented propagating cracks.
- Strong interfaces led to cracks penetrating osteons.
Conclusions:
- The developed XFEM model is a promising tool for analyzing cortical bone fracture.
- Microscale material properties and microstructure significantly influence crack trajectory.
- The model can assess how age-related material changes affect fracture resistance.
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