Abstract
A study of surface contact and separation of ceramic-on-ceramic joints was undertaken in 25 per cent bovine serum using a hip simulator. An electrical resistivity technique was used to detect the extent of surface separation throughout a complete walking cycle. The femoral and acetabular components were coated in a thin conducting film of titanium nitride to allow application of the resistivity technique to non-conducting ceramic. Surface separation of the acetabular and femoral components was detected throughout each simulated walking cycle. Fluctuations in the applied voltage across the joint were observed which could not be attributed to elastohydrodynamic or squeeze-film lubrication effects. The probable cause of the voltage fluctuations was brief and occasional contact between the surfaces caused by a combination of asperity contact and subsequent detachment of the conductive coating.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
