Damage estimator, a possible way to predict the failure of hip and knee endoprosthesis
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to realize finite element simulation in order to dynamically determine the area of the contact, the contact pressure and the strain energy density (identified as a damage function) for three different activities – normal walking, ascending stairs and descending stairs – that could be considered to define the level of the activity of the patient.
Design/methodology/approach
The finite element model uses a modern contact mechanism that includes friction between the metallic femoral condyles or femoral head (considered rigid) and the tibial polyethylene insert or acetabular cup (considering a non-linear behaviour).
Findings
For all three activities, the finite element analyses were performed, and a damage score was computed. Finally, a cumulative damage score (that accounts for all three activities) was determined, and the areas where the fatigue wear is likely to occur were identified.
Originality/value
A closer look at the distribution of the damage score reveals that the maximum damage is likely to occur not at the contact surface, but in the subsurface.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank their colleagues from the Institute of Solid Mechanics of the Romanian Academy, University of Civil Engineering and National Institute of Research and Development in Mechatronics and Measurement Technique for the material and logistic support.
Citation
Capitanu, L., Florescu, V. and Badita, L.-L. (2017), "Damage estimator, a possible way to predict the failure of hip and knee endoprosthesis", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 69 No. 1, pp. 71-80. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-11-2015-0178
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited