ABSTRACT
Finite element analysis may not be the only method by which bone fracture initiation and propagation may be analyzed. This study compares fracture patterns generated from compression testing of bone to fracture patterns generated using a combination of both the finite element method (FEM) and discrete element method (DEM) as defined by the finite discrete element method (FDEM). Before testing, a three-dimensional bone model was developed using CT. Force and displacement data were collected during testing. The tested specimen was reimaged using CT. The solid model was discretized and material properties adjusted such that finite element-discrete element macro behavior matched the force-displacement data. A qualitative comparison of the fracture patterns demonstrates that FDEM can successfully be used to simulate and predict fracturing in bone, with this study representing the first time this has been done and reported.
ABSTRACT
Conventionally, the evaluation of fracture surface roughness in brittle geomaterials, such as concrete and rock, has been based on the measurement and analysis of two-dimensional profiles rather than three-dimensional (3D) surfaces. The primary reason for doing so was the lack of tools capable of making 3D measurements. However, in recent years, several optical and mechanical measurement tools have become available, which are capable of quickly and accurately producing high resolution point clouds defining 3D surfaces. This paper provides a methodology for evaluating the surface roughness and roughness anisotropy using these 3D surface measurements. The methodology is presented step-by-step to allow others to easily adopt and implement the process to analyze their own surface measurement data. The methodology is demonstrated by digitizing a series of concrete fracture surfaces and comparing the estimated 3D roughness parameters with qualitative observations and estimates of the well-known roughness coefficient, R(s).
