A finite element dual porosity approach to model deformation-induced fluid flow in cortical bone.
Fluid flow through the osteocyte canaliculi network is widely believed to be a main factor that controls bone adaptation. The difficulty of in vivo measurement of this flow within cortical bone makes computational models an appealing alternative to estimate it. We present in this paper a finite element dual porosity macroscopic model that can contribute to evaluate the interstitial fluid flow induced by mechanical loads in large pieces of bone. This computational model allows us to predict the macroscopic fluid flow at both vascular and canalicular porosities in a whole loaded bone. Our results confirm that the general trend in the fluid flow field predicted is similar to the one obtained with previous microscopic models, and that in a whole bone model it is able to estimate the zones with higher bone remodeling.
Fornells
Pere
P
Group of Structural Mechanics and Material Modeling, Mechanical Engineering Department, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, María de Luna, 3, E-50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
García-Aznar
José Manuel
JM
Doblaré
Manuel
M
D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D008954:Models, Biological; D010539:Permeability; D016062:Porosity; D011312:Pressure; D051381:Rats; D012212:Rheology / Q000379:methods*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013977:Tibia / Q000502:physiology*