Multiscale Finite Element Modeling of Parameterized Representative Volume Element (RVE) for Vertebral Trabecular Bone
Author(s):
W. C. Lim, K. S. Basaruddin, & R. Daud
Source:
W. C. Lim, K. S. Basaruddin, & R. Daud, “Multiscale Finite Element Modeling of Parameterized Representative Volume Element (RVE) for Vertebral Trabecular Bone,” Journal of Mechanical Engineering Research and Developments, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 425-431, 2017.
ABSTRACT: Understanding the behavior of the trabecular bone helps in predicting the risk of fracture and bone loss. However, it is highly unfeasible to reconstruct the complex structure of trabecular bone for a certain analysis. This study aims to predict the apparent mechanical properties of the trabecular bone by developing parameterized representative volume elements (RVE) to represent the vertebral trabecular bone through the morphological data. The basic morphological data such as the bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp) were quantified from the actual trabecular bone model. Four parameterized RVE models were developed – the octahedron crystal, prismatic, cubic and prismatic with plate-like. Young’s moduli were then obtained using multiscale finite element method by means of homogenization theory. The Young’s modulus of the actual trabecular bone was obtained ranged from 24 MPa to 798 MPa with an average of 205 MPa. The octahedron crystal architecture closely resembles the trabecular bone with low BV/TV while the prismatic architecture closely resembles the trabecular bone with high principle stress.
Keywords: Trabecular bone; morphology; homogenization method, apparent mechanical properties.