title: Finite element modeling as a tool for predicting the fracture behavior of robocast scaffolds.
abstract: The use of finite element modeling to calculate the stress fields in complex scaffold structures and thus predict their mechanical behavior during service (e.g., as load-bearing bone implants) is evaluated. The method is applied to identifying the fracture modes and estimating the strength of robocast hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds, consisting of a three-dimensional lattice of interpenetrating rods. The calculations are performed for three testing configurations: compression, tension and shear. Different testing orientations relative to the calcium phosphate rods are considered for each configuration. The predictions for the compressive configurations are compared to experimental data from uniaxial compression tests.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de los Materiales, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain. pmiranda@unex.es
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Miranda
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pajares
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Guiberteau
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001842:Bone and Bones; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry; D019245:Compressive Strength; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012984:Software; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; C485817:beta-tricalcium phosphate; D017886:Durapatite