Numerical Analysis on Degradation of Cartilage Scaffold under Perfusion Loading / 医用生物力学

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the effect of irrigation mechanical stimulation on scaffold degradation by numerical simulation, so as to predict its degradation degree. MethodsBased on perfusion experimental data, the fluid-solid coupling model was established by Comsol. The finite element model of scaffold was established by ABAQUS. Based on the models, the degradation performance of scaffold was simulated and predicted. Results The fluid-solid coupling simulation showed that the initial pressure at the speed of 15.79 mL/min was two-fold of that at 7.89 mL/min. Along the thickness of scaffold from the surface to the bottom, the pressures between the two velocities were decreased and gradually close to each other. The degradation of scaffold structure could be simulated dynamically by combining the degradation constitutive model with the finite element model. The obtained degradation data were consistent with the experimental data, and the residual molecular weight reached 0.643 on the 56th day. Compared with the experimental data, the simulation accuracy was higher than 98%. Conclusions The larger the perfusion velocity is, the greater the pressure on scaffold will be. Under the same perfusion velocity, the maximum force occurs on the surface of scaffold. The degradation pattern of scaffold can be predicted by applying the degradation constitutive model and the finite element model.