Stress intensity factors for micro-crack emanating from micro-cavity in cement of reconstructed acetabulum

Abstract

Cement is an essential element for securing the cup to the bone. Its main role is to ensure good adhesion and to ensure the load transfer to the bone. The mechanical properties of cement are very low. Under the effect of the mechanical lading, cement must be able to resist the initiation and propagation of micro-crack being able to lead to its ruin and consequently the unsealing of the prosthesis. In this study, the three-dimensional finite element method is used to analyze the stress distribution around micro cavities in the cement of reconstructed acetabulum. The effect of the position of the micro defect on the stress distribution is also highlighted. On the other hand to analyze the behavior of micro-crack emanating from micro-cavity by computing the stress intensity factor at the micro-crack tip under a gait cycle.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.20.6.9157