Simulation of tibia as a poroelastic composite under dynamic loading

Abstract

We model the mechanical behavior of tibia as a 3D poroelastic composite consisting of the interior cancellous part and the outer cortical part. For simplicity, both parts are assumed to be isotopic linear poroelastic material but possessing different values of porosity, fluid content and elastic properties, which are taken from literature. For computer simulation, we used the movable cellular automaton method, which is a representative of simply deformed discrete elements. The method allows simulating dynamics of the elastic skeleton deformation and viscous fluid flow in the skeleton pores according to Biot's theory of linear poroelasticity. Using the model developed we study the mechanical behavior of tibia in dynamic compression with different rate of loading and different boundary conditions. The results obtained for both saturated and drained bones are discussed in terms of getting a better model.