Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Fragility Assessment of Bovine Cortical Bone Using Scratch Tests
Published on: November 30, 2017
What is the influence of two strain rates on the relationship between human cortical bone toughness and
Rémy Gauthier1,2, Hélène Follet3, Max Langer2
1Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, IFSTTAR, LBMC UMR_T9406, Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Cortical bone fracture mechanisms are well studied under quasi-static loading. The influence of strain rate on crack propagation mechanisms needs to be better understood, however. We have previously shown that several aspects of the bone micro-structure are involved in crack propagation, such as the complete porosity network, including the Haversian system and the lacunar network, as well as biochemical aspects, such as the maturity of collagen cross-links. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of strain rate on the toughness of human cortical bone with respect to its microstructure and organic non-collagenous composition. Two strain rates will be considered: quasi-static loading (10-4 s-1), a standard condition, and a higher loading rate (10-1 s-1), representative of a fall. Cortical bone samples were extracted from eight female donors (age 50-91 years). Three-point bending tests were performed until failure. Synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography imaging was performed to assess bone microstructure including the Haversian system and the lacunar system. Collagen enzymatic cross-link maturation was measured using a high performance liquid chromatography column. Results showed that that under quasi-static loading, the elastic contribution of the fracture process is correlated to both the collagen cross-links maturation and the microstructure, while the plastic contribution is correlated only to the porosity network. Under fall-like loading, bone organization appears to be less linked to crack propagation.
Related Concept Videos
Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
Normal Strain under Axial Loading
Bending of Members Made of Several Materials
Hooke's Law determines stress in each material, stating that stress is proportional to strain but varies due to each material's...
Stress-Strain Diagram - Brittle Materials
Plastic Behavior
Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...

