Mechanical Standpoint Research Articles

Controlling the shapes and assemblages of graphene

Carbon, a vital element in our daily lives, is still fascinating us at the nanoscale. In PNAS, Geng et al. (1) manage to synthesize ordered arrays of atom-thick hexagonal microplatelets consisting of sp2 hybridized carbon. Since the discovery of C60 (Buckminsterfullerene; an icosahedral carbon cage molecules with diameter of approximately 0.7 nm) (2), carbon nanoscience emerged, and it was witnessed that nanoscale carbon materials possessed different physicochemical properties compared with the well known bulk allotropes of carbon: graphite and diamond. During the past 20 y, other novel carbon materials have been synthesized and intensively studied: carbon nanotubes (3⇓–5) and graphene (6, 7). Graphene consists of an atom-thick sp2 hybridized carbon sheet, in which each carbon atom is bonded to three carbon atoms, thus forming a hexagonal framework with bond lengths of 1.42 A. This 2D hexagonal sheet has shown outstanding properties compared with other forms of carbon. Graphene exhibits a room-temperature quantum Hall effect (8), it is a semimetal, and it has an extremely high room temperature carrier mobility (at least two orders of magnitude greater than that of silicon) (9). Graphene could also exhibit extremely high thermal conductivity values ranging from (2.50 ± 0.44)×103 to (5.30 ± 0.48)×103 W/m⋅K (10, 11). From the mechanical standpoint, graphene is very robust and exhibits a Young modulus of approximately 1 TPa (12). It is noteworthy that the aforementioned properties of graphene systems strongly depend on, for example, the degree of crystallinity (e.g., domain size of crystalline domains and types/number of defects), edge morphology (atomically smooth edges or rough edges), and number of stacking layers (e.g., bilayer, trilayer). Individual graphene sheets were first isolated by using a repeated peeling “scotch-tape” method (6). However, alternative methods involving the thermal decomposition … [↵][1]1E-mail: mut11{at}psu.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1

Comparison of structural, architectural and mechanical aspects of cellular and acellular bone in two teleost fish

The histological diversity of the skeletal tissues of fishes is impressive compared with that of other vertebrate groups, yet our understanding of the functional consequences of this diversity is limited. In particular, although it has been known since the mid-1800s that a large number of fish species possess acellular bones, the mechanical advantages and consequences of this structural characteristic - and therefore the nature of the evolution of this feature - remain unclear. Although several studies have examined the material properties of fish bone, these have used a variety of techniques and there have been no direct contrasts of acellular and cellular bone. We report on a comparison of the structural and mechanical properties of the ribs and opercula between two freshwater fish - the common carp Cyprinus carpio (a fish with cellular bone) and the tilapia Oreochromis aureus (a fish with acellular bone). We used light microscopy to show that the bones in both fish species exhibit poor blood supply and possess discrete tissue zones, with visible layering suggesting differences in the underlying collagen architecture. We performed identical micromechanical testing protocols on samples of the two bone types to determine the mechanical properties of the bone material of opercula and ribs. Our data support the consensus of literature values, indicating that Young's moduli of cellular and acellular bones are in the same range, and lower than Young's moduli of the bones of mammals and birds. Despite these similarities in mechanical properties between the bone tissues of the fish species tested here, cellular bone had significantly lower mineral content than acellular bone; furthermore, the percentage ash content and bone mineral density values (derived from micro-CT scans) show that the bone of these fishes is less mineralized than amniote bone. Although we cannot generalize from our data to the numerous remaining teleost species, the results presented here suggest that while cellular and acellular fish bone may perform similarly from a mechanical standpoint, there are previously unappreciated differences in the structure and composition of these bone types.

Investigation of the resistance welding of multilayers aluminum-coated polymer complexes used as envelopes of vacuum insulation panels

Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) are thermal insulators consisting of a core material enveloped by a high barrier film or envelope required to maintain the vacuum.Multilayered aluminum-coated polymer complex are the common barrier envelopes of VIPs used as high performance thermal insulation in building applications. The multilayer complex is sealed to maintain the vacuum for a long period of time. From a mechanical and barrier properties standpoint, sealed edges represent the weak point of the envelope assembly. This paper investigates the influence of sealing parameters on the properties of the weld. T-peel and tensile tests in combination with Optic Microscopy observations were used to characterize the heat seals. A minimum seal initiation temperature of 115°C was identified for the studied complex. Peel strength increased sharply to reaching a maximum value at (140°C–5s), which considered as optimum temperature–time couple. Above and beyond these values, a gradual decrease was observed and microscopic images indicate the appearance of roll generated by the expelled polymer mass from the center to the edges of the weld which strongly impacts the morphology of the welded area.

Muscle discretization affects the loading transferred to bones in lower-limb musculoskeletal models

Modelling the mechanical effect of muscles is important in several research and clinical contexts. However, few studies have investigated the effect of different muscle discretizations from a mechanical standpoint. The present study evaluated the errors of a reduced discretization of the lower-limb muscles in reproducing the muscle loading transferred to bones. Skeletal geometries and a muscle data collection were derived from clinical images and dissection studies of two cadaver specimens. The guidelines of a general method previously proposed for a different anatomical district were followed. The data collection was used to calculate the mechanical effect of muscles, i.e. the generalized force vectors, and the errors between a large and a reduced discretization, in a reference skeletal pose and in the extreme poses of the range of motion of joints. The results showed that the errors committed using a reduced representation of muscles could be significant and higher than those reported for a different anatomical region. In particular, the calculated errors were found to be dependent on the individual anatomy and on the skeletal pose. Since different biomechanical applications may require different discretization levels, care is suggested in identifying the number of muscle lines of action to be used in musculoskeletal models.

Long-term anisotropic mechanical response of surgical meshes used to repair abdominal wall defects

Routine hernia repair surgery involves the implant of synthetic mesh. However, this type of procedure may give rise to pain and bowel incarceration and strangulation, causing considerable patient disability. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term behaviour of three commercial meshes used to repair the partially herniated abdomen in New Zealand White rabbits: the heavyweight (HW) mesh, Surgipro ® and lightweight (LW) mesh, Optilene ®, both made of polypropylene (PP), and a mediumweight (MW) mesh, Infinit ®, made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The implanted meshes were mechanical and histological assessed at 14, 90 and 180 days post-implant. This behaviour was compared to the anisotropic mechanical behaviour of the unrepaired abdominal wall in control non-operated rabbits. Both uniaxial mechanical tests conducted in craneo-caudal and perpendicular directions and histological findings revealed substantial collagen growth over the repaired hernial defects causing stiffness in the repair zone, and thus a change in the original properties of the meshes. The mechanical behaviour of the healthy tissue in the craneo-caudal direction was not reproduced by any of the implanted meshes after 14 days or 90 days of implant, whereas in the perpendicular direction, SUR and OPT achieved similar behaviour. From a mechanical standpoint, the anisotropic PP-lightweight meshes may be considered a good choice in the long run, which correlates with the structure of the regenerated tissue.

Mechanical potential of eco-OSB produced from durable and nondurable species and natural resins

Abstract Oriented strand board (OSB) panels were manufactured with different mixtures of pine and cypress heartwood and resins based on lignin or tannin to develop an eco-friendly wood composite with a natural durability against termite and fungi. Some physical properties and the major elastic moduli of bulk wood as well as of the manufactured panels were determined using different measurement techniques. In addition, a micromechanical model was adapted and validated with the experimental results. The good agreement obtained between the experimental data and model predictions indicates the proper assessment of the most influential parameters, such as raw material and adhesive properties, strand orientation, layer assembly and density profile. A parameter study, enlightening the effect of strand orientation on several elastic constants, enlarges the scope of experiments. We conclude with an optimal combination of resin and wood species mixture resulting in the best performance from a biological and mechanical standpoint.

A biomechanical assessment of modular and monoblock revision hip implants using FE analysis and strain gage measurements

BackgroundThe bone loss associated with revision surgery or pathology has been the impetus for developing modular revision total hip prostheses. Few studies have assessed these modular implants quantitatively from a mechanical standpoint.MethodsThree-dimensional finite element (FE) models were developed to mimic a hip implant alone (Construct A) and a hip implant-femur configuration (Construct B). Bonded contact was assumed for all interfaces to simulate long-term bony ongrowth and stability. The hip implants modeled were a Modular stem having two interlocking parts (Zimmer Modular Revision Hip System, Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) and a Monoblock stem made from a single piece of material (Stryker Restoration HA Hip System, Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA). Axial loads of 700 and 2000 N were applied to Construct A and 2000 N to Construct B models. Stiffness, strain, and stress were computed. Mechanical tests using axial loads were used for Construct A to validate the FE model. Strain gages were placed along the medial and lateral side of the hip implants at 8 locations to measure axial strain distribution.ResultsThere was approximately a 3% average difference between FE and experimental strains for Construct A at all locations for the Modular implant and in the proximal region for the Monoblock implant. FE results for Construct B showed that both implants carried the majority (Modular, 76%; Monoblock, 66%) of the 2000 N load relative to the femur. FE analysis and experiments demonstrated that the Modular implant was 3 to 4.5 times mechanically stiffer than the Monoblock due primarily to geometric differences.ConclusionsThis study provides mechanical characteristics of revision hip implants at sub-clinical axial loads as an initial predictor of potential failure.

Evaluation of Comfort and Health of Mattresses from Mechanical Standpoint

Evaluation of Comfort and Health of Mattresses from Mechanical Standpoint

The effect of cortex thickness on intact femur biomechanics: A comparison of finite element analysis with synthetic femurs

Biomechanical studies on femur fracture fixation with orthopaedic implants are numerous in the literature. However, few studies have compared the mechanical stability of these repair constructs in osteoporotic versus normal bone. The present aim was to examine how changes in cortical wall thickness of intact femurs affect biomechanical characteristics. A three-dimensional, linear, isotropic finite element (FE) model of an intact femur was developed in order to predict the effect of bicortical wall thickness, t, relative to the femur's mid-diaphyseal outer diameter, D, over a cortex thickness ratio range of 0 < or = t/D < or = 1. The FE model was subjected to loads to obtain axial, lateral, and torsional stiffness. Ten commercially available synthetic femurs were then used to mimic 'osteoporotic' bone with t/D = 0.33, while ten synthetic left femurs were used to simulate 'normal' bone with t/D = 0.66. Axial, lateral, and torsional stiffness were measured for all femurs. There was excellent agreement between FE analysis and experimental stiffness data for all loading modes with an aggregate average percentage difference of 8 per cent. The FE results for mechanical stiffness versus cortical thickness ratio (0 < or = t/D < or = 1) demonstrated exponential trends with the following stiffness ranges: axial stiffness (0 to 2343 N/mm), lateral stiffness (0 to 62 N/mm), and torsional stiffness (0 to 198 N/mm). This is the first study to characterize mechanical stiffness over a wide range of cortical thickness values. These results may have some clinical implications with respect to appropriately differentiating between older and younger human long bones from a mechanical standpoint.

Lignin and starch as potential inductors for biodegradation of films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and protein hydrolysate

The objective of this work was to study the biodegradation of blow-moulded films of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/protein hydrolysate (PH) which contain biodegradation inductors of the starch (S) and lignin (LI) types. These increase the biodegradation rate of PVA while preserving or improving the technical and usage properties of blends. The aim of the work was to reach the maximum breakdown rate so that rapid disintegration of PVA could take place at a wastewater treatment plant. The biological material chosen was activated sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Preparation of the blends required that a plasticiser be used, in this case glycerol (G). This allowed for successful processing but prolonged the lag phase of PVA breakdown as well as reducing its final biodegradation percentage. The influence of G, in this respect, was not affected by incorporating PH. S and LI reduced the influence of the plasticiser but caused a breakdown rate comparable to PVA itself. Contrarily, after adapting biomass to PVA, applying G produced a PVA breakdown rate three times greater, albeit with a lag phase prolonged fivefold. However, due to the duration of breakdown (the period above the retention time of wastewater during activation), this effect was not positive. The addition of PH to the blends mentioned did not exhibit any clear favourable influence. Adding S resulted in a shorter lag phase, in addition to which the degradation rate increased by approximately 1.5 times. Combining LI and S distinctly accelerated the degradation of a blend, although a disadvantage of doing so is an incomplete breakdown of the substrate, which lowers the final biodegradation percentage. Therefore, an eventual compromise was arrived at, this being a blend of PVA/G PH S. Its breakdown time is half that of pure PVA, and the films produced, from a mechanical standpoint, are more convenient.

Relating Mechanical Properties and Chemical Bonding in an Inorganic−Organic Framework Material: A Single−Crystal Nanoindentation Study

We report the application of nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy to establish the fundamental relationships between mechanical properties and chemical bonding in a dense inorganic-organic framework material: Ce(C(2)O(4))(HCO(2)), 1. Compound 1 is a mixed-ligand 3-D hybrid which crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group, in which its three basic building blocks, i.e. the inorganic metal-oxygen-metal (M-O-M) chains and the two organic bridging ligands, (oxalate and formate) are all oriented perpendicular to one another. This unique architecture enabled us to decouple the elastic and plastic mechanical responses along the three primary axes of a single crystal to understand the contribution associated with stiff vs compliant basic building blocks. The (001)-oriented facet that features rigid oxalate ligands down the c-axis exhibits the highest stiffness and hardness (E approximately 78 GPa and H approximately 4.6 GPa). In contrast, the (010)-oriented facet was found to be the most compliant and soft (E approximately 43 GPa and H approximately 3.9 GPa), since the formate ligand, which is the more compliant building block within this framework, constitutes the primary linkages down the b-axis. Notably, intermediate stiffness and hardness (E approximately 52 GPa and H approximately 4.1 GPa) were measured on the (100)-oriented planes. This can be attributed to the Ce-O-Ce chains that zigzag down the a-axis (Ce...Ce metal centers form an angle of approximately 132 degrees) and also the fact that the 9-coordinated CeO(9) polyhedra are expected to be geometrically more compliant. Our results present the first conclusive evidence that the crystal orientation dominated by inorganic chains is not necessarily more robust from the mechanical properties standpoint. Rigid organic bridging ligands (such as oxalate), on the other hand, can be used to produce greater stiffness and hardness properties in a chosen crystallographic orientation. This study demonstrates that there exists a vast opportunity to design the mechanical properties of dense hybrid framework materials through the incorporation of organic multifunctional ligands of varying rigidity.

Assessment of the Effects of Diabetes on Midfoot Joint Pressures Using a Robotic Gait Simulator

One of the more serious diabetic complications is Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN), a disease that results in arch collapse and permanent foot deformity. However, very little is known about the etiology of CN. From a mechanical standpoint, it is likely that there is a ;;vicious circle'' in terms of (i) arch collapse causing increased midfoot joint pressures, and (ii) increased joint contact pressures exacerbating the collapse of midfoot bones. This study focused on assessment of peak joint pressure difference between diabetic and non-diabetic cadaver feet during simulated walking. We hypothesized that joint pressures are higher for diabetics than normal population. Sixteen cadaver foot specimens (eight control and eight diabetic specimens) were used in this study. Human gait at 25% of typical walking speed (averaged stance duration of 3.2s) was simulated by a custom-designed Universal Musculoskeletal Simulator. Four medial midfoot joint pressures (the first metatarsocuneiform, the medial naviculocuneiform, the middle naviculocuneiform, and the first intercuneiform) were measured dynamically during full stance. The pressures in each of the four measured midfoot joints were significantly greater in the diabetic feet (p = 0.015, p = 0.025, p < 0.001, and p = 0.545, respectively). Across all four tested joints, the diabetic cadaver specimens had, on average, 46% higher peak pressures than the control cadaver feet during the simulated stance phase. This finding suggests that diabetic patients could be predisposed to arch collapse even before there are visible signs of bone or joint abnormalities.

The role of aluminum additions in the oxidation and wear of a TaC:C low-friction coating

A very attractive feature possessed by many carbon-based coatings is the ability to provide a combination of lowered friction and high wear resistance in various sliding contact situations. The flair for low friction is commonly attributed to large amounts of surplus carbon present in the microstructure. However, the surplus carbon also makes these coatings rather susceptible to oxidation. To expand the field of application for carbon-based low-friction coatings it is important to improve their oxidation resistance. Of course this must not be accomplished by impairing their main function, of giving low friction. In an attempt to increase the oxidation resistance of a TaC:C coating without sacrificing its extremely good tribological behaviour, Al was added in increasing amounts at the expense of carbon. The effects of Al addition was evaluated on as-deposited coatings from a mechanical and tribological standpoint. The oxidation resistance of the coatings was evaluated in air at temperatures up to 500 °C and the resulting oxides were analyzed as to their chemistry and thickness. The oxidation rate was found to decrease quite rapidly with increasing amounts of Al. Moreover, it was found that the Al addition could be optimized to give low friction and reduced oxidation rate at only a moderate increase in wear rate.

The Pathogenesis of Syringomyelia: A Re-Evaluation of the Elastic-Jump Hypothesis

Syringomyelia is a disease in which fluid-filled cavities, called syrinxes, form in the spinal cord causing progressive loss of sensory and motor functions. Invasive monitoring of pressure waves in the spinal subarachnoid space implicates a hydrodynamic origin. Poor treatment outcomes have led to myriad hypotheses for its pathogenesis, which unfortunately are often based on small numbers of patients due to the relative rarity of the disease. However, only recently have models begun to appear based on the principles of mechanics. One such model is the mathematically rigorous work of Carpenter and colleagues (2003, "Pressure Wave Propagation in Fluid-Filled Co-Axial Elastic Tubes Part 1: Basic Theory," ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 125(6), pp. 852-856; 2003, "Pressure Wave Propagation in Fluid-Filled Co-Axial Elastic Tubes Part 2: Mechanisms for the Pathogenesis of Syringomyelia," ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 125(6), pp. 857-863). They suggested that a pressure wave due to a cough or sneeze could form a shocklike elastic jump, which when incident at a stenosis, such as a hindbrain tonsil, would generate a transient region of high pressure within the spinal cord and lead to fluid accumulation. The salient physiological parameters of this model were reviewed from the literature and the assumptions and predictions re-evaluated from a mechanical standpoint. It was found that, while the spinal geometry does allow for elastic jumps to occur, their effects are likely to be weak and subsumed by the small amount of viscous damping present in the subarachnoid space. Furthermore, the polarity of the pressure differential set up by cough-type impulses opposes the tenets of the elastic-jump hypothesis. The analysis presented here does not support the elastic-jump hypothesis or any theory reliant on cough-based pressure impulses as a mechanism for the pathogenesis of syringomyelia.

An analysis of dynamic fracture in concrete with a continuum visco-elastic visco-plastic damage model

We present a rate-dependent continuum model for the dynamic modelling of concrete. Rate dependency is included by means of visco-elastic and visco-plastic constitutive relationships. The inclusion of the Stefan effect, described by a visco-elastic model, results in an increased tensile strength with increasing loading rate. An additional rate effect comes from the visco-plastic contribution which, from a mechanical standpoint, can be related to the micro-inertia of the material surrounding the crack tip. Static and dynamic examples show the capabilities of the model with respect to localization, hysteresis and dissipation of energy.

Aging and running experience affects the gearing in the musculoskeletal system of the lower extremities while walking

The aims of this study were to investigate whether older adults modify their walking mechanics to compensate for the degeneration in their muscle-tendon units (MTUs), and to examine whether running has a beneficial effect on walking mechanics in younger and older adults. The investigation was conducted on 30 older and 19 younger adults divided into two subgroups: runners versus non-active. In previous studies we documented that older adults had lower leg-extensor muscle strength and tendon stiffness compared to younger. Runners and non-active subjects had similar MTU capacities. In this study we analysed walking kinematics and kinetics (1.6 m/s) from the same subjects. Older adults showed a lower gear ratio (ratio between moment arm of the ground reaction force and moment arm of muscle) at the triceps surae MTU during the initial and mid part of ground contact, lower average horizontal forces and lower average ankle joint moment during ground contact compared to younger ( p < 0.05). Compared to non-active subjects, runners had a lower gear ratio at the quadriceps femoris MTU during the initial and final part of ground contact, lower average horizontal forces and lower maximal knee joint moment during ground contact independent of the subject's age ( p < 0.05). We concluded that the older adults modify the gearing at the ankle joint in order to adjust the task effort to the reduced triceps surae muscle strength. It appears, further, that runners walked more effectively from a mechanical standpoint compared to non-active subjects, which suggests that runners may be able to transfer motor adaptation from running to walking even in old age.

Multi-Scale Analysis of the Toraymyxin Adsorption Cartridge Part I: Molecular Interaction of Polymyxin B with Endotoxins

Endotoxins or lipopolysaccharides are the main constituents of the outer leaflet of Gram-negative bacteria membrane and play a central role in the pathogenesis of the septic shock. Polymyxin B has both antibacterial and antiendotoxin capability; indeed it is able to destroy the bacterial outer membrane and bind endotoxin neutralizing its toxic effects. Cartridges containing polymyxin B-immobilized fibers (Toraymyxin PMX-F, Toray Industries, Japan) are used in extracorporeal hemoperfusion to remove circulating endotoxin. The aim of this study is the characterization of the polymyxin B-endotoxin system at the molecular level, thus providing quantitative evaluation of the binding forces exerted in the molecular complex. Polymyxin B was interfaced with five molecular models of lipopolysaccharides differing in their structure and molecular mechanics simulations were performed at different intermolecular distances aimed at calculating the interaction energies of the complex. Binding forces were calculated by fitting interaction energies data. Results show that in the short range the polymyxin B-endotoxin complex is mediated by hydrophobic forces and in the long range the complex is driven by ionic forces only. From a mechanical standpoint, polymyxin B-endotoxin complex is characterized by maximum binding forces ranging between 1.39 nN to 3.79 nN. The knowledge of the binding force behavior at different intermolecular distances allows further investigations at higher scale level (Part II).

Larger bone graft size and washing of bone grafts prior to impaction enhances the initial stability of cemented cups: Experiments using a synthetic acetabular model

Background Bone defects after failed total hip arthroplasty can be reconstructed with impacted morselized bone grafts and a cemented cup. On the acetabular side, the effects on initial cup stability of washing bone grafts prior to impaction and bone graft size remain unclear. Related to these variables, cement penetration and inter-particle shear resistance have been suggested to be critical factors to ensure initial cup stability.Methods Using a synthetic acetabular model, we studied the effects of (1) washing bone grafts prior to impaction, and (2) bone graft size on the initial stability of cemented cups. In addition, cement penetration was measured using CT scans.Results Reconstructions with large, washed bone grafts provided the highest stability during mechanical compression and in a lever-out situation. Washing of the bone grafts had a positive effect on initial cup stability, but the size of the bone grafts appeared to be more important. Cement penetration was affected by bone graft size but not by washing.Interpretation From a mechanical standpoint, large bone grafts that have been washed prior to impaction may be preferable in order to obtain optimal cup stability using the bone impaction grafting technique.

744 肌のシワに対する真皮老化の影響に関する数値解析的検討(S08-4 細胞の構造とメカノバイオロジー(4),S08 細胞の構造とメカノバイオロジー)

We investigate the effect of dermal aging on the wrinkle property of human facial skin. Wrinkle property is evaluated by the finite element buckling analysis considering the layered structure of skin. The solar elastosis, which is a result of the photoaging and increases abnormal elastic fibers in the papillary dermis, has been thought as a major cause of the formation of permanent wrinkles on facial skin. Moreover, from the mechanical standpoint, the flattening of dermal-epidermal junction caused by the intrinsic aging may also affect the permanent wrinkle formation. Through some numerical examples, we discuss the effect of the thickness change of papillary dermis and the shape alteration of dermal-epidermal junction on the wrinkle property, and approach to a reliable scenario of the wrinkle formation mechanism.

Cemented Cup Stability during Lever-Out Testing after Acetabular Bone Impaction Grafting with Bone Graft Substitutes Mixes Containing Morselized Cancellous Bone and Tricalcium Phosphate-Hydroxyapatite Granules

Bone defects after failed total hip arthroplasty can be reconstructed with impacted morselized bone grafts and a cemented cup. In the near future the amount of bone grafts available for surgical purposes will be insufficient. Ceramic calcium phosphates [tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA)] have been widely considered as potential bone graft substitutes or bone graft extenders. In the past, mechanical experiments have been performed to determine implant stability of bone grafts and ceramic TCP-HA granules mixes under a compressive load. However, in-vivo migration studies suggest that shear loading may be equally important. This in-vitro study investigated the initial stability of cups reconstructed with various mixes of bone grafts and ceramic TCP-HA granules in a lever-out situation, where shearing is the predominant loading mode. It was found that the cups reconstructed with mixes of bone graft and TCP-HA granules exhibited greater mechanical stability than the cups reconstructed with bone grafts only. It is concluded that from a mechanical standpoint, when considering shear force resistance, 50-50 per cent volume mix and 25-75 per cent volume mix of morselized cancellous bone graft and TCP-HA granules both provide adequate initial cup stability and can be used for acetabular reconstructions with the bone impaction grafting technique.