G c of the cement line in cortical bone combining experimental tests and finite element models]]>

摘要

Highlights?A procedure for estimating cement line fracture toughness is proposed.?Three-point bending tests are performed with cortical bone small samples.?Microcrack paths are simulated with FE models with good correlation.?Mechanical properties are calibrated with the help of finite element models.AbstractIn this work, a procedure is proposed to estimate the critical energy release rateGcof the so-called cement line in cortical bone tissue. Due to the difficulty of direct experimental estimations, relevant elastic and toughness material properties at bone microscale have been inferred by correlating experimental tests and finite element simulations. In particular, three-point bending tests of ovine cortical bone samples have been performed and modeled by finite elements. The initiation and growth of microcracks in the tested samples are simulated through finite elements using a damage model based on a maximum principal strain criterion, showing a good correlation with the experimental results. It is observed that microcracks evolve mainly along the cement lines and through the interstitial material but without crossing osteons. The numerical model allows the calculation of the cement line critical energy release rateGcby approximating its definition by finite differences. This way, it is possible to estimate this property poorly documented in the literature.]]>