title: Nanogranular origins of the strength of bone.
abstract: Here, we investigate the ultrastructural origins of the strength of bone, which is critical for proper physiological function. A combination of dual nanoindentation, three-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element analysis using a Mohr-Coulomb cohesive-frictional strength criterion, and angle of repose measurements was employed. Our results suggest that nanogranular friction between mineral particles is responsible for increased yield resistance in compression relative to tension and that cohesion originates from within the organic matrix itself, rather than organic-mineral bonding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
authors.forename: Kuangshin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.forename: Franz-Josef
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Ulm
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ortiz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002417:Cattle; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000648:ultrastructure*