The Relationship between Trabecular Bone Structure Modeling Methods and the Elastic Modulus as Calculated by FEM

Trabecular bone cores were collected from the femoral head at the time of surgery (hip arthroplasty). Investigated were 42 specimens, from patients with osteoporosis and coxarthrosis. The cores were scanned used computer microtomography (microCT) system at an isotropic spatial resolution of 36 microns. Image stacks were converted to finite element models via a bone voxel-to-element algorithm. The apparent modulus was calculated based on the assumptions that for the elastic properties, E = 10 MPa and ν = 0.3. The compressive deformation as calculated by finite elements (FE) analysis was 0.8%. The models were coarsened to effectively change the resolution or voxel size (from 72 microns to 288 microns or from 72 microns to 1080 microns). The aim of our study is to determine how an increase in the distance between scans changes the elastic properties as calculated by FE models. We tried to find a border value voxel size at which the module values were possible to calculate. As the voxel size increased, the mean voxel volume increased and the FEA-derived apparent modulus decreased. The slope of voxel size versus modulus relationship correlated with several architectural indices of trabecular bone

Microarchitecture Parameters Describe Bone Structure and Its Strength Better Than BMD

Introduction and Hypothesis. Some papers have shown that bone mineral density (BMD) may not be accurate in predicting fracture risk. Recently microarchitecture parameters have been reported to give information on bone characteristics. The aim of this study was to find out if the values of volume, fractal dimension, and bone mineral density are correlated with bone strength. Methods. Forty-two human bone samples harvested during total hip replacement surgery were cut to cylindrical samples. The geometrical mesh of layers of bone mass obtained from microCT investigation and the volumes of each layer and fractal dimension were calculated. The finite element method was applied to calculate the compression force F causing ε = 0.8% strain. Results. There were stronger correlations for microarchitecture parameters with strength than those for bone mineral density. The values of determination coefficient R2 for mean volume and force were 0.88 and 0.90 for mean fractal dimension and force, while for BMD and force the value was 0.53. The samples with bigger mean bone volume of layers and bigger mean fractal dimension of layers (more complex structure) presented higher strength. Conclusion. The volumetric and fractal dimension parameters better describe bone structure and strength than BMD

Numerical analysis of the states of stress in the steel-titanium bimetal during cyclic bending

This paper presents the results of experimental study into steel-titanium bimetal obtained by means of explosive welding, which involved the development of fatigue cracks. A particular emphasis in the report was placed on the analysis of development of the crack in the area in which the two metals are joined. The study was accompanied by a numerical analysis of the distribution of stresses in the weld area in terms of the elastic-plastic characteristics. The numerical analysis performed in terms of the elastic-plastic characteristics demonstrated that the titanium layer is completely plasticized as a result of the acting loading, when the crack is still located in the steel part of the examined plater

Determining Effective Length for 40 HM-T Steel by Use of Non-Local Line Method Concept

In the paper, the concept of non-local line method is presented and used for determining the effective length for notched elements. Experimental tests and calculations were performed for 40 HM-T (42CrMo4+QT) steel made specimens of two types, i.e. smooth specimens, and notched specimens with notch radius equal to 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1 mm. The performed FEM calculations took into account the multi-linear hardening model and cyclic material properties. The concept of the presented non-local line method bases on finding the position of critical plane and determining the effective length, meant as the fracture process zone. During numerical stress gradient simulations, also the weight function was implemented. It was observed that the effective length increases as the load increases

Determining Effective Length for 40 HM-T Steel by Use of Non-Local Line Method Concept

In the paper, the concept of non-local line method is presented and used for determining the effective length for notched elements. Experimental tests and calculations were performed for 40 HM-T (42CrMo4+QT) steel made specimens of two types, i.e. smooth specimens, and notched specimens with notch radius equal to 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1 mm. The performed FEM calculations took into account the multi-linear hardening model and cyclic material properties. The concept of the presented non-local line method bases on finding the position of critical plane and determining the effective length, meant as the fracture process zone. During numerical stress gradient simulations, also the weight function was implemented. It was observed that the effective length increases as the load increases

Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Supporting Road Signs Masts Family for Compliance with the Standard EN 12767

The analysis aimed to assess the passive safety of supporting masts for road signs in accordance with EN 12767. Experimental tests were carried out based on the requirements of the standard for the smallest and the largest constructions within the product family. Numerical models of crash tests were prepared for whole product family using the Finite Element Method in the LS-Dyna environment. Based on the comparison of the experimental tests and the numerical calculations, the usefulness of the numerical model for estimating the actual value of the Acceleration Severity Index (ASI) and the Theoretical Head Impact Velocity (THIV) was assessed. With the use of these relationships the values of ASI and THIV for masts not tested experimentally were estimated. It was confirmed that the analyzed masts met the requirements for the passive safety of structures set out in the standard EN 12767. It was possible since as a result of the impact, the mast column detached from the base, allowing the vehicle to continue moving. The behavior of the masts was primarily influenced by the destruction of the safety connectors. The paper presents the most important elements from the point of view of designing such solutions