Three-dimensional real structure-based finite element analysis of mechanical behavior for porous titanium manufactured by a space holder method

Abstract

In this study, porous titanium samples were manufactured by a space holder method with sodium chloride. Each porous titanium sample contained two types of pores based on their sizes: macropores and micropores. Macropores were those emerged from removing the space holder, whereas micropores were voids created during powder compaction. The porous titanium exhibited low elastic modulus close to that of the human bone. Computed tomography (CT) was employed to examine the porous structure of the Ti samples. The CT results were then used in finite element simulations for analysis of the mechanical behavior of the porous titanium. The CT-based finite element model was found to give better results compared to the unit-cell finite element model in terms of agreement with the experimental data. The CT model combined with the strain hardening behavior of Ti having micropores prescribed to the matrix allowed for accurate predictions of elastic modulus, yield strength, and flow stress. These results signify the importance of taking into account pores at different scales as well as their morphology and distribution at least at macroscale.