Finite element study on the microdamage progression within bone

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of mineral-collagen interfacial behavior on the microdamage progression within bone tissue. Methods Based on the finite element model, cohesive elements were introduced and the traction-separation law was used to simulate the role of ionic interactions, hydrogen bonds and van der waals forces. The effects of aforementioned interactions on the microdamage progression within bone were studied by the random field theory and probabilistic failure analysis. Results Strong interfaces (ionic interactions in both opening and sliding modes) between the mineral and collagen phases might encourage the formation of linear cracks in bone, whereas weak interfaces (van der Waals in opening mode and viscous shear in sliding mode) might facilitate the formation of diffuse damages. In addition, there existed a transitional interfacial bonding strength (hydrogen/van der Waals bonds) that governed the transition of microdamage accumulation from linear microcrack to diffuse damage.Conclusions The results from this study will help to understand the effects of mineral-collagen interfacial behavior on microdamage accumulation in bone and further investigate the underlying mechanism of bone fracture due to osteoporosis or ageing.