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Prediction of failure in cancellous bone using extended finite element method
Mohammad Salem1, Lindsey Westover1, Samer Adeeb2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Summary
Extended finite element method (XFEM) models accurately predict cancellous bone fracture. The elastic-plastic-fracture model best fit experimental data, revealing bone
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Materials Science
- Computational Mechanics
Background:
- Cancellous bone's complex microstructure poses challenges for mechanical modeling.
- Predicting fracture initiation and propagation is crucial for understanding bone fragility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate extended finite element method (XFEM) models for cancellous bone fracture.
- To compare elastic-plastic-fracture and elastic-fracture XFEM approaches.
- To quantify the mechanical strength of trabecular bone tissue in the forearm.
Main Methods:
- Replication of published three-point bending test results of single trabeculae.
- Application of two XFEM approaches: elastic-plastic-fracture and elastic-fracture.
- Development of 2D XFEM models for trabecular bone specimens.
Main Results:
- The elastic-plastic-fracture model showed better agreement with experimental data for single trabeculae.
- For 2D models, the elastic fracture model predicted higher strength, with no stiffness difference.
- Cancellous bone exhibited greater failure strain and ductility in compression versus tension.
Conclusions:
- XFEM is capable of simulating the ductile behavior of cancellous bone with appropriate parameters.
- The models successfully quantified tensile strength in different anatomical directions.
- XFEM is a valuable tool for predicting cancellous bone mechanical properties based on microstructure.
