Characterising the compressive anisotropic properties of analogue bone using optical strain measurement

Abstract

The validity of conclusions drawn from preclinical tests on orthopaedic devices depends upon accurate characterisation of the support materials: frequently, polymer foam analogues. These materials often display anisotropic mechanical behavior, which may considerably influence computational modelling predictions and interpretation of experiments. Therefore, the present study sought to characterise the anisotropic mechanical properties of a range of commonly used analogue bone materials, using non-contact multi-point optical extensometry method to account for the effects of machine compliance and uneven loading. Testing was conducted on commercially available ‘cellular’, ‘solid’ and ‘open cell’ Sawbone blocks with a range of densities. Solid foams behaved largely isotropically. However, across the available density range of cellular foams, the average Young’s modulus was 23-31% lower (p<0.005) perpendicular to the foaming direction than parallel to it, indicating elongation of cells with foaming. The average Young’s modulus of open celled foams was 25-59% higher (p<0.05) perpendicular to the foaming direction than parallel to it. This is thought to result from solid planes of material that were observed perpendicular to the foaming direction, stiffening the bulk material. The presented data represent a reference to help researchers design, model and interpret tests using these materials.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Alexander Dickinson: orcid.org/0000-0002-9647-1944

ORCID for Fabrice Pierron: orcid.org/0000-0003-2813-4994

ORCID for Martin Browne: orcid.org/0000-0001-5184-050X

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