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Fulltext The Effects of Loading Conditions on the Behaviour of Fixed-Ended Plain Channel Columns

Yidris N, Isham NH, Gires E, Mutafi A

Materials (Basel), 2020 Mar 21;13(6).
PMID: 32245266 DOI: 10.3390/ma13061441

The compressive behaviour of column members can be considerably affected by local buckling, material yielding and local end conditions. In this paper, the effects of the loading conditions at the ends of plain channel section columns subjected to uniformly compressed loading, and fixed conditions at the column ends with respect to global rotations, was examined. Finite element simulation was employed to look at the post-buckled response of thin-walled, plain channel section columns that covered the complete loading history of the compression columns from the onset of elastic local buckling through the nonlinear elastic and elastoplastic post-buckling phases of behaviour to final collapse and unloading. Two types of loading conditions were considered: the first was one that has been used practically in tests whereby one end is loaded with a moving top platen while the other end is fixed at the lower platen, but, for the second loading condition, both ends were loaded with equally moving top and lower platens. These two conditions were shown to lead to quite different characteristic interactive responses of the columns due to mode jumping in the buckling mode for the locally rotationally constrained case.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Prediction of damage formation in hip arthroplasties by finite element analysis using computed tomography images

Abdullah AH, Todo M, Nakashima Y

Med Eng Phys, 2017 06;44:8-15.
PMID: 28373012 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2017.03.006

Femoral bone fracture is one of the main causes for the failure of hip arthroplasties (HA). Being subjected to abrupt and high impact forces in daily activities may lead to complex loading configuration such as bending and sideway falls. The objective of this study is to predict the risk of femoral bone fractures in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA). A computed tomography (CT) based on finite element analysis was conducted to demonstrate damage formation in a three dimensional model of HAs. The inhomogeneous model of femoral bone was constructed from a 79 year old female patient with hip osteoarthritis complication. Two different femoral components were modeled with titanium alloy and cobalt chromium and inserted into the femoral bones to present THA and RHA models respectively. The analysis included six configurations, which exhibited various loading and boundary conditions, including axial compression, torsion, lateral bending, stance and two types of falling configurations. The applied hip loadings were normalized to body weight (BW) and accumulated from 1 BW to 3 BW. Predictions of damage formation in the femoral models were discussed as the resulting tensile failure as well as the compressive yielding and failure elements. The results indicate that loading directions can forecast the pattern and location of fractures at varying magnitudes of loading. Lateral bending configuration experienced the highest damage formation in both THA and RHA models. Femoral neck and trochanteric regions were in a common location in the RHA model in most configurations, while the predicted fracture locations in THA differed as per the Vancouver classification.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis*
Fulltext Numerical Investigation of 1 × 7 Steel Wire Strand under Fretting Fatigue Condition

Ahmad S, Badshah S, Ul Haq I, Abdullah Malik S, Amjad M, Nasir Tamin M

Materials (Basel), 2019 Oct 23;12(21).
PMID: 31652687 DOI: 10.3390/ma12213463

Wire ropes undergo a fretting fatigue condition when subjected to axial and bending loads. The fretting behavior of wires are classified as line contact and trellis point of contact. The experimental study on the fatigue of wire ropes indicates that most of the failure occurs due to high localized stresses at trellis point of contact. A continuum damage mechanics approach was previously proposed to estimate the fatigue life estimation of wire ropes. The approach majorly depends on the high value of localized stresses as well as the micro-slippage occurs at the contact region. Finite element approach has been used to study radial and axial distribution of stresses and displacement in order to clearly understand the evolution of stresses and existence of relative displacements between neighboring wires under various loading and frictional conditions. The relative movements of contacting wires are more when friction is not considered. In the presence of friction, the relative movement occurs at the boundaries of the contact region. The location of microslip in the presence of friction is backed by the experimental observation stating the crack is initiated at or the outer boundary of the contact spot. The existence of slip is due to different displacement of outer and central wires.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Numerical Three-dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Cavity Shape and Optimal Material Selection by Analysis of Stress Distribution on Class V Cavities of Mandibular Premolars

Pai S, Bhat V, Patil V, Naik N, Awasthi S, Nayak N

J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2020 06 15;10(3):279-285.
PMID: 32802773 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_75_20

Aim: Adhesive restoration does not depend primarily on the configuration of the shape of the cavity. Under varying loading conditions, it is essential to know the stress concentration and load transfer mechanism for distinct cavity shapes. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biomechanical characteristics of various cavity shapes, namely oval, elliptical, trapezoidal, and rectangular shapes of class V cavities on mandibular premolars restored with amalgam, glass ionomer cement, and Cention N using three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis.
Materials and Methods: A 3D prototype of a mandibular premolar was generated by Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images obtained from the cone beam computed tomography and imported to 3D modeling software tool, SpaceClaim. The four distinct load magnitudes of 100, 150, 200, and 250N were applied as a pressure load perpendicular to the lingual plane of the lingual cusp of the occlusal surface (normal load) and at 45° to same (oblique load). The stress distribution patterns and the maximum von Mises stresses were analyzed and compared.
Results: The occlusal stresses were distributed from the force loading point in an approximate actinomorphic pattern, and when the force load was close to the margin, the stress was much greater.
Conclusion: Ovoid cavity showed lesser stress concentration and deformation for each of the tested restorative material.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Sensors for Hip Implant: A Numerical and Computational Feasibility Investigation Using Finite Element Methods

Hafizh M, Soliman MM, Qiblawey Y, Chowdhury MEH, Islam MT, Musharavati F, et al.

Biosensors (Basel), 2023 Jan 02;13(1).
PMID: 36671914 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010079

In this paper, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor for hip implant geometry was proposed for the application of total hip replacement. A two-port SAW device was numerically investigated for implementation with an operating frequency of 872 MHz that can be used in more common radio frequency interrogator units. A finite element analysis of the device was developed for a lithium niobate (LiNBO3) substrate with a Rayleigh velocity of 3488 m/s on COMSOL Multiphysics. The Multiphysics loading and frequency results highlighted a good uniformity with numerical results. Afterwards, a hip implant geometry was developed. The SAW sensor was mounted at two locations on the implant corresponding to two regions along the shaft of the femur bone. Three discrete conditions were studied for the feasibility of the implant with upper- and lower-body loading. The loading simulations highlighted that the stresses experienced do not exceed the yield strengths. The voltage output results indicated that the SAW sensor can be implanted in the hip implant for hip implant-loosening detection applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Modeling of a high force density fishbone shaped electrostatic comb drive microactuator

Megat Hasnan MM, Mohd Sabri MF, Mohd Said S, Nik Ghazali NN

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:912683.
PMID: 25165751 DOI: 10.1155/2014/912683

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a high force density fishbone shaped electrostatic comb drive actuator. This comb drive actuator has a branched structure similar to a fishbone, which is intended to increase the capacitance of the electrodes and hence increase the electrostatic actuation force. Two-dimensional finite element analysis was used to simulate the motion of the fishbone shaped electrostatic comb drive actuator and compared against the performance of a straight sided electrostatic comb drive actuator. Performances of both designs are evaluated by comparison of displacement and electrostatic force. For both cases, the active area and the minimum gap distance between the two electrodes were constant. An active area of 800 × 300 μm, which contained 16 fingers of fishbone shaped actuators and 40 fingers of straight sided actuators, respectively, was used. Through simulation, improvement of drive force of the fishbone shaped electrostatic comb driver is approximately 485% higher than conventional electrostatic comb driver. These results indicate that the fishbone actuator design provides good potential for applications as high force density electrostatic microactuator in MEMS systems.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Stress analysis of engine camshaft from light metal

Sharuddin Mohd Dahuri, Nor Hakimah Ahmad Subri, Norashady Mohd Noor

Journal of Engineering and Science Research, 2018;2(1):37-44.
MyJurnal

his paper presents the structure and static model of engine camshaft analysis. For the purposes of this analysis, the finite element method is used. Camshaft is one of the critical components for effective and precise work of internal combustion engines. This camshaft rotates at high speed causing pressure and vibration in the system. Camshafts are also subject to varying fatigue burden due to cam plunger contact. These precise values are required to be determined to prevent failure in the camshaft. The objective of the project is to model and to perform pressure analysis on the camshaft machine. In this project the standard engine cam shafts are modeled and analyzed using the CATIA V5R21 software respectively. This model is created by the basic requirements of the engine. It is done with an existing background, such as the power of acting on cam by means of a valve while running at maxi mum speed. Here the approach becomes fully CAE based. CAE - based approaches enrich Research and limit the time span. A study was conducted to predict the behavior of the different camshafts structure of the material using the finite three - dimensional pressure of the element. Four types of materials such as Steel, Titanium, Aluminum and Magnesium are taken into account. FEA Stress and maximum displacement decisions are calculated and compared to all of the above materials. The conclusion is to focus on the material suitable for the camshaft to reduce the maximum displacement and weight. Titanium materials become the best material for camshaft manufacturing based on analysis.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext 3D model of generalized power law blood flow in a stenosed bifurcated artery

Azim Azahari, Zuhaila Ismail, Normazni Abdullah

MATEMATIKA, 2018;34(1):87-102.
MyJurnal

Numerical simulation of the behaviour of blood flow through a stenosed bifurcated
artery with the presence of single mild stenosis at parent artery is investigated. The
flow analysis applies the incompressible, steady, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations
for non-Newtonian generalized power law fluids. Behaviour of blood flow is simulated
numerically using COMSOL Multiphysicsthat based on finite element method.The
results showthe effect of severity of stenosis on flow characteristics such as axial velocity
and its exhibit flow recirculation zone for analysis on streamlines pattern.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Finite element analysis of idealised unit cell cancellous structure based on morphological indices of cancellous bone

Kadir MR, Syahrom A, Ochsner A

Med Biol Eng Comput, 2010 May;48(5):497-505.
PMID: 20224954 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-010-0593-2

Human bones can be categorised into one of two types--the compact cortical and the porous cancellous. Whilst the cortical is a solid structure macroscopically, the structure of cancellous bone is highly complex with plate-like and strut-like structures of various sizes and shapes depending on the anatomical site. Reconstructing the actual structure of cancellous bone for defect filling is highly unfeasible. However, the complex structure can be simplified into an idealised structure with similar properties. In this study, two idealised architectures were developed based on morphological indices of cancellous bone: the tetrakaidecahedral and the prismatic. The two architectures were further subdivided into two types of microstructure, the first consists of struts only and the second consists of a combination of plates and struts. The microstructures were transformed into finite element models and displacement boundary condition was applied to all four idealised cancellous models with periodic boundary conditions. Eight unit cells extracted from the actual cancellous bone obtained from micro-computed tomography were also analysed with the same boundary conditions. Young's modulus values were calculated and comparison was made between the idealised and real cancellous structures. Results showed that all models with a combination of plates and struts have higher rigidity compared to the one with struts only. Values of Young's modulus from eight unit cells of cancellous bone varied from 42 to 479 MPa with an average of 234 MPa. The prismatic architecture with plates and rods closely resemble the average stiffness of a unit cell of cancellous bone.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
On finite element modeling of single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Rahmandoust M, Ochsner A

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2012 Oct;12(10):8129-36.
PMID: 23421189

In this study, Single-Walled and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in their perfect forms were investigated by the Finite Element Method. Details on the modeling of the structure are provided in this paper, including the appropriate elements, the element properties that should be defined based on the atomic structure of Carbon Nanotubes and the corresponding chemical bonds. Non-covalent van der Waals interactions between two neighbor atoms as well as the required approximations for the modeling of the structures with this kind of interaction are also presented. Specific attention was dedicated to the necessity of using some time- and energy-consuming steps in the simulation process. First, the effect of simulating only a single ring of the whole structure is studied to find out if it would represent the same mechanical behavior as the long structure. Results show that by applying an appropriate set of boundary conditions, the stiffness of the shortened structure is practically equal to the long perfect structure. Furthermore, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube structures with and without defining the van der Waals force are studied. Based on the observations, applying the van der Waals force does not significantly influence the obtained Young's modulus of the structure in the case of a uniaxial tensile test.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Shape-shifting thermal coagulation zone during saline-infused radiofrequency ablation: A computational study on the effects of different infusion location

Kho ASK, Foo JJ, Ooi ET, Ooi EH

Comput Methods Programs Biomed, 2020 Feb;184:105289.
PMID: 31891903 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2019.105289

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The majority of the studies on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have focused on enlarging the size of the coagulation zone. An aspect that is crucial but often overlooked is the shape of the coagulation zone. The shape is crucial because the majority of tumours are irregularly-shaped. In this paper, the ability to manipulate the shape of the coagulation zone following saline-infused RFA by altering the location of saline infusion is explored.
METHODS: A 3D model of the liver tissue was developed. Saline infusion was described using the dual porosity model, while RFA was described using the electrostatic and bioheat transfer equations. Three infusion locations were investigated, namely at the proximal end, the middle and the distal end of the electrode. Investigations were carried out numerically using the finite element method.
RESULTS: Results indicated that greater thermal coagulation was found in the region of tissue occupied by the saline bolus. Infusion at the middle of the electrode led to the largest coagulation volume followed by infusion at the proximal and distal ends. It was also found that the ability to delay roll-off, as commonly associated with saline-infused RFA, was true only for the case when infusion is carried out at the middle. When infused at the proximal and distal ends, the occurrence of roll-off was advanced. This may be due to the rapid and more intense heating experienced by the tissue when infusion is carried out at the electrode ends where Joule heating is dominant.
CONCLUSION: Altering the location of saline infusion can influence the shape of the coagulation zone following saline-infused RFA. The ability to 'shift' the coagulation zone to a desired location opens up great opportunities for the development of more precise saline-infused RFA treatment that targets specific regions within the tissue.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Systematic mechanical evaluation of electrospun gelatin meshes

Butcher AL, Koh CT, Oyen ML

J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2017 May;69:412-419.
PMID: 28208112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.02.007

Electrospinning is a simple and efficient process for producing sub-micron fibres. However, the process has many variables, and their effects on the non-woven mesh of fibres is complex. In particular, the effects on the mechanical properties of the fibre meshes are poorly understood. This paper conducts a parametric study, where the concentration and bloom strength of the gelatin solutions are varied, while all electrospinning process parameters are held constant. The effects on the fibrous meshes are monitored using scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing under uniaxial tension. Mesh mechanical properties are relatively consistent, despite changes to the solutions, demonstrating the robustness of electrospinning. The gel strength of the solution is shown to have a statistically significant effect on the morphology, stiffness and strength of the meshes, while the fibre diameter has surprisingly little influence on the stiffness of the meshes. This experimental finding is supported by finite element analysis, demonstrating that the stiffness of the meshes is controlled by the volume fraction, rather than fibre diameter. Our results demonstrate the importance of understanding how electrospinning parameters influence the pore size of the meshes, as controlling fibre diameter alone is insufficient for consistent mechanical properties.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Resonant frequency characteristics of a SAW device attached to resonating micropillars

Ramakrishnan N, Nemade HB, Palathinkal RP

Sensors (Basel), 2012;12(4):3789-97.
PMID: 22666001 DOI: 10.3390/s120403789

Recently we reported experimental and simulation results on an increase in resonance frequency of a SAW resonator caused by mass loading of micropillars made of SU-8, attached normal to the surface of the resonator. We concluded that SAW resonator and the SU-8 micropillars in unison form a system of coupled resonators. We have now extended this work and performed a finite element method simulation to study the resonance frequency characteristics of the SAW-based coupled resonator. In this paper we report the effect of the resonance frequency of the micropillars on the resonance frequency of the system of coupled resonators, and observe the coupling of micropillar resonance and the propagating SAW as described in the well known Dybwad system of coupled resonators.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Numerical Prediction of Residual Stresses Distribution in Thin-Walled Press-Braked Stainless Steel Sections

Mutafi A, Yidris N, Koloor SSR, Petrů M

Materials (Basel), 2020 Nov 26;13(23).
PMID: 33256257 DOI: 10.3390/ma13235378

Stainless steels are increasingly used in construction today, especially in harsh environments, in which steel corrosion commonly occurs. Cold-formed stainless steel structures are currently increasing in popularity because of its efficiency in load-bearing capacity and its appealing architectural appearance. Cold-rolling and press-braking are the cold-working processes used in the forming of stainless steel sections. Press braking can produce large cross-sections from thin to thick-walled sections compared to cold-rolling. Cold-forming in press-braked sections significantly affect member behaviour and joints; therefore, they have attained great attention from many researchers to initiate investigations on those effects. This paper examines the behaviour of residual stress distribution of stainless steel press-braked sections by implementing three-dimensional finite element (3D-FE) technique. The study proposed a full finite element procedure to predict the residual stresses starting from coiling-uncoiling to press-braking. This work considered material anisotropy to examine its effect on the residual stress distribution. The technique adopted was compared with different finite element techniques in the literature. This study also provided a parametric study for three corner radius-to-thickness ratios looking at the through-thickness residual stress distribution of four stainless steels (i.e., ferritic, austenitic, duplex, lean duplex) in which have their own chemical composition. In conclusion, the comparison showed that the adopted technique provides a detailed prediction of residual stress distribution. The influence of geometrical aspects is more pronounced than the material properties. Neglecting the material anisotropy shows higher shifting in the neutral axis. The parametric study showed that all stainless steel types have the same stress through-thickness distribution. Moreover, R/t ratios' effect is insignificant in all transverse residual stress distributions, but a slight change to R/t ratios can affect the longitudinal residual stress distribution.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Thermal Delamination Modelling and Evaluation of Aluminium-Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Hybrid

Chow ZP, Ahmad Z, Wong KJ, Koloor SSR, Petrů M

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 04;13(4).
PMID: 33557350 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040492

This paper aims to propose a temperature-dependent cohesive model to predict the delamination of dissimilar metal-composite material hybrid under Mode-I and Mode-II delamination. Commercial nonlinear finite element (FE) code LS-DYNA was used to simulate the material and cohesive model of hybrid aluminium-glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminate. For an accurate representation of the Mode-I and Mode-II delamination between aluminium and GFRP laminates, cohesive zone modelling with bilinear traction separation law was implemented. Cohesive zone properties at different temperatures were obtained by applying trends of experimental results from double cantilever beam and end notched flexural tests. Results from experimental tests were compared with simulation results at 30, 70 and 110 °C to verify the validity of the model. Mode-I and Mode-II FE models compared to experimental tests show a good correlation of 5.73% and 7.26% discrepancy, respectively. Crack front stress distribution at 30 °C is characterised by a smooth gradual decrease in Mode-I stress from the centre to the edge of the specimen. At 70 °C, the entire crack front reaches the maximum Mode-I stress with the exception of much lower stress build-up at the specimen's edge. On the other hand, the Mode-II stress increases progressively from the centre to the edge at 30 °C. At 70 °C, uniform low stress is built up along the crack front with the exception of significantly higher stress concentrated only at the free edge. At 110 °C, the stress distribution for both modes transforms back to the similar profile, as observed in the 30 °C case.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Investigation on the Curvature Correction Factor of Extension Spring

Tan PS, Akhavan Farid A, Karimzadeh A, Rahimian Koloor SS, Petrů M

Materials (Basel), 2020 Sep 21;13(18).
PMID: 32967330 DOI: 10.3390/ma13184199

The curvature correction factor is an important parameter in the stress calculation formulation of a helical extension spring, which describes the effect of spring wire curvature on the stress increase towards its inner radius. In this study, the parameters affecting the curvature correction factor were investigated through theoretical and numerical methods. Several finite element (FE) models of an extension spring were generated to obtain the distribution of the tensile stress in the spring. In this investigation, the hook orientation and the number of coils of the extension spring showed significant effects on the curvature correction factor. These parameters were not considered in the theoretical model for the calculation of the curvature correction factor, causing a deviation between the results of the FE model and the theoretical approach. A set of equations is proposed for the curvature correction factor, which relates both the spring index and the number of coils. These equations can be applied directly to the design of extension springs with a higher safety factor.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Design and validation of a bi-axial loading bioreactor for mechanical stimulation of engineered cartilage

Yusoff N, Abu Osman NA, Pingguan-Murphy B

Med Eng Phys, 2011 Jul;33(6):782-8.
PMID: 21356602 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2011.01.013

A mechanical-conditioning bioreactor has been developed to provide bi-axial loading to three-dimensional (3D) tissue constructs within a highly controlled environment. The computer-controlled bioreactor is capable of applying axial compressive and shear deformations, individually or simultaneously at various regimes of strain and frequency. The reliability and reproducibility of the system were verified through validation of the spatial and temporal accuracy of platen movement, which was maintained over the operating length of the system. In the presence of actual specimens, the system was verified to be able to deliver precise bi-axial load to the specimens, in which the deformation of every specimen was observed to be relatively homogeneous. The primary use of the bioreactor is in the culture of chondrocytes seeded within an agarose hydrogel while subjected to physiological compressive and shear deformation. The system has been designed specifically to permit the repeatable quantification and characterisation of the biosynthetic activity of cells in response to a wide range of short and long term multi-dimensional loading regimes.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Fulltext Investigation into mass loading sensitivity of sezawa wave mode-based surface acoustic wave sensors

Mohanan AA, Islam MS, Ali SH, Parthiban R, Ramakrishnan N

Sensors (Basel), 2013;13(2):2164-75.
PMID: 23389346 DOI: 10.3390/s130202164

In this work mass loading sensitivity of a Sezawa wave mode based surface acoustic wave (SAW) device is investigated through finite element method (FEM) simulation and the prospects of these devices to function as highly sensitive SAW sensors is reported. A ZnO/Si layered SAW resonator is considered for the simulation study. Initially the occurrence of Sezawa wave mode and displacement amplitude of the Rayleigh and Sezawa wave mode is studied for lower ZnO film thickness. Further, a thin film made of an arbitrary material is coated over the ZnO surface and the resonance frequency shift caused by mass loading of the film is estimated. It was observed that Sezawa wave mode shows significant sensitivity to change in mass loading and has higher sensitivity (eight times higher) than Rayleigh wave mode for the same device configuration. Further, the mass loading sensitivity was observed to be greater for a low ZnO film thickness to wavelength ratio. Accordingly, highly sensitive SAW sensors can be developed by coating a sensing medium over a layered SAW device and operating at Sezawa mode resonance frequency. The sensitivity can be increased by tuning the ZnO film thickness to wavelength ratio.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
A finite element study: Finding the best configuration between unilateral, hybrid, and ilizarov in terms of biomechanical point of view

Abd Aziz AU, Abdul Wahab AH, Abdul Rahim RA, Abdul Kadir MR, Ramlee MH

Injury, 2020 Nov;51(11):2474-2478.
PMID: 32798038 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.08.001

In an open fracture, the external fixator is one of the definitive treatment options as it could provide the initial stabilisation of the fractured bone. Limited literature discussing on the biomechanical stability between unilateral, hybrid and Ilizarov configurations, principally in treating a femoral fracture. Thus, this study aims to analyse the biomechanical stability of different external fixators via the finite element method (FEM). The present study portrays that different configurations of fixators possess different biomechanical stability, hence leading to different healing rates and complication risks. For the methodology, three-dimensional models of three different external fixators were reconstructed where axial loads were applied on the proximal end of the femur, simulating the stance phase. From the results, the unilateral configuration provides better stability compared to the hybrid and Ilizarov, where it displaced the least with an average percentage difference of 50% for the fixator's frame and 23% for the bone. The unilateral configuration also produced the least interfragmentary movement (0.48 mm) as compared to hybrid (0.62 mm) and Ilizarov (0.61 mm) configurations. Besides, the strain and stress of the unilateral configuration were superior in terms of stability compared to the other two configurations. As a conclusion, the unilateral configuration had the best biomechanical stability as it was able to assist the bone healing process as well as minimising the risk of pin tract infection while treating a femoral fracture.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis
Biomechanical evaluation of three different configurations of external fixators for treating distal third tibia fracture: Finite element analysis in axial, bending and torsion load

Abdul Wahab AH, Wui NB, Abdul Kadir MR, Ramlee MH

Comput Biol Med, 2020 12;127:104062.
PMID: 33096298 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.104062

External fixators have been widely used in treating open fractures and have produced excellent outcomes, as they could successfully heal bones. The stability of external fixators lies greatly in their construction. Factors that associated with the stability of the external fixators includes stress, displacement, and relative micromotion. Three-dimensional (3D) models of bone and external fixators were constructed by using 3D modelling software, namely Materialise and SolidWorks, respectively. Three different configurations of external fixators namely Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3 were analysed. Three load cases were simulated to assess the abovementioned factors at the bone, specifically at the fracture site and at the external fixator. Findings showed that the double-cross configuration (Model 3) was the most promising in axial, bending, and torsion load cases as compared to the other two configurations. The no-cross configuration (Model 1) had the highest risk of complication due to high stress, relative micromotion, and displacement in the bending and torsion load cases. On the other hand, the single-cross configuration (Model 2) had the highest risk of complication when applied with axial load. In conclusion, the double-cross locking construct (Model 3) showed the biggest potential to be a new option for medical surgeons in treating patients associated with bone fracture. This new double-cross locking construct showed superior biomechanical stability as compared to single-cross and no-cross configurations in the axial, bending, and torsion load cases.

Matched MeSH terms: Finite Element Analysis

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