FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THE HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE OF HUMAN BONE

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Authors
Dolloff, Katherine M.
Subjects
Advisors
Kwon, Young W.
Date of Issue
2003-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop an analytical model of the basic hierarchical structure of the human bone. The model computed the stiffness of composite collagen fibers comprised of collagen fibrils and hydroxyapatite mineral crystals. Next, the stiffness of the concentric lamella was computed utilizing the stiffness of the collagen fibers and layer information. Finally, the effective stiffness of the bone was estimated. In order to determine the stiffness of the collagen fiber, a three-dimensional finite element model was developed and a simple analytical model was derived. The simple analytical model was validated using the finite element results. The lamination theory of unidirectional fibrous composites was used to calculate the stiffness of the lamella and eventually the bone stiffness. A series of parametric studies were conducted to understand what parameter(s) affected the stiffness of the bone most significantly. This information will be useful when an artificial bone structure is designed.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical Engineering
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NPS Report Number
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Funder
Format
xii, 47 p. : ill. (some col.)
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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