Abstract
A computational model of protein aggregation lubrication has been developed for predicting transient behaviour in lubricated prosthetics. The model uses an advection-diffusion equation to simulate protein transport in order to map concentration changes throughout the contact and inlet zones of an elasto-hydrodynamic contact. Concentration increases lead to exponential increase in fluid viscosity giving rise to lubricating film thicknesses an order of magnitude larger than would be expected using conventional elasto-hydrodynamic theory. The model parameters have been calibrated such that good agreement in transient film thickness is achieved with observed experimental results.
Highlights
Joint replacements have been performed in the UK since the 1960s with the first hip implants
Protein aggregation lubrication can be modelled by using classical elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication theory coupled with a protein concentration-dependent constitutive equation for fluid viscosity
The transport of protein matter in the thin film lubricated contact is subject to an advection-diffusion model using geometry-based attenuation of flow rates
Summary
Joint replacements have been performed in the UK since the 1960s with the first hip implants. Over 250,000 joint replacements were carried out in the tax year 2018/2019 in the UK, with knee and hip replacements accounting for the vast majority of these numbers [1]. Metallic ions have been found in the lymphatic system, blood and urine of joint replacement patients and have been linked to lymphadenopathy and necrosis [4]. For these reasons, an analysis of the lubrication mecha nisms that affect wear are central to research into extending the life of joint prostheses
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