Use of finite element method modelling and rapid prototyping to study the effect of trabecular bone architecture on apparent mechanical properties

This thesis examines the effects of changes in architecture on apparent mechanical properties of a rod-like trabecular bone structure representative of that found in the human vertebra.; Selected solid models were manufactured from DuraForm GF material using selective laser sintering (SLS), a form of rapid prototyping, to validate the FEM models. However, the mechanical tests could not be completed due to repeated instrumentation problems. Nevertheless, preliminary results showed good agreement with the apparent modulii predictions of the FEM models. Ultimate strengths of the rapid prototypes were significantly lower than the FEM predictions because failure likely occurred by inelastic buckling, which could not be predicted by the FEM models since a linear-elastic material model had been adopted. Failure stresses and failure modes observed in the rapid prototyped samples were found to correspond with those reported for real trabecular bone. The simulated bone structures were also able to effectively reproduce several characteristics of real trabecular bone mechanical behaviour. However, variability in the sintering process presents difficulties when using SLS as a tool for validation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...