Computational modal analysis of a composite pelvic bone: convergence and validation studies

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Materials Science
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Accurate biomechanical models are crucial for understanding bone mechanics.
• Validating computational models with experimental data is essential for reliability.
• Composite bone structures present unique challenges in modeling density and geometry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structural density and geometry of a composite bone.
• To assess the sensitivity of biomechanical models to finite element discretization resolution.
• To introduce and validate a novel method using experimental modal analysis for biomechanical model verification.

Main Methods:

• Developed a computational model of a composite bone, incorporating its structural density and geometry.
• Performed a detailed mesh resolution sensitivity analysis to optimize bone weight matching.
• Conducted experimental modal analysis to obtain boundary conditions-free results for model comparison.

Main Results:

• Computational model weight and modal properties showed less than 10% change with varying mesh resolutions and approximation orders.
• Experimental modal analysis proved to be a robust verification tool for computational biomechanical models.
• Linear approximation of density fields was found unsuitable for accurately modeling the modal response of composite bone.

Conclusions:

• Experimental modal analysis offers a powerful, boundary condition-independent method for validating computational biomechanical models.
• While mesh resolution has a limited impact, accurate density field representation is critical for composite bone modal response.
• The study provides a validated approach for refining computational bone models using experimental data.