Finite element analysis of cortical bone fracture in human thigh segment

Abstract

Stress intensity factor, K and strain energy release rate, G have been obtained by using three point bending test in two-dimensional (2D) model of cortical bone in human thigh segment. The test is done in finite element analysis (FEA) with respect to continuum mechanics approach. The K and G values from the simulation gave almost similar values compared by using an equation established by A. F. Bower. The maximum error was 7.2 % while the minimum was only 1.2 %. From the graph obtained, the K and G values were increased when the ration of crack length and width, a/W of the model increased. In can also be proven that K is proportional to G in linear elastic Mode I model. There is lack of study in continuum mechanics area concerned on the use of numerical analysis of initiation and propagation cracks in human cortical bone. Thus, by using a finite element analysis or conceptual model when attempting to reduce the risk of injury and designing better devices on medical purposes serve as a logical starting point.