title: Numerical modelling of the mechanical behaviour of an osteon with microcracks.
abstract: In this work, we present two strategies for the numerical modelling of microcracks and damage within an osteon. A numerical model of a single osteon under compressive diametral load is developed, including lamellae organized concentrically around the haversian canal and the presence of lacunae. Elastic properties have been estimated from micromechanical models that consider the mineralized collagen fibrils reinforced with hydroxyapatite crystals and the dominating orientation of the fibrils in each lamella. Microcracks are simulated through the node release technique, enabling propagation along the lamellae interfaces by application of failure criteria initially conceived for composite materials, in particular the Brewer and Lagacé criterion for delamination. A second approach is also presented, which is based on the progressive degradation of the stiffness at the element level as the damage increases. Both strategies are discussed, showing a good agreement with experimental evidence reported by other authors. It is concluded that interlaminar shear stresses are the main cause of failure of an osteon under compressive diametral load.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y de Materiales - CITV, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, 46022 Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: eginerm@mcm.upv.es.
authors.forename: Eugenio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Giner
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y de Materiales - CITV, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Camila
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Arango
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y de Materiales - CITV, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vercher
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y de Materiales - CITV, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Javier Fuenmayor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D019245:Compressive Strength; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006253:Haversian System / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals; D003094:Collagen
keywords: Cortical bone; Finite element method; Microcracks