Microstructural analysis of cancellous bone using interface elements

The mechanical properties of trabecular bone are studied experimentally and numerically. Experimental studies include compression tests of 1 × 1 × 1 cm cubes of bovine femoral bone. The distribution of voids is measured on digitalized images and statistical parameters are obtained. In the FE analysis, the microstructure is discretized explicitly. The continuum elements are assumed elastic and the possibility of cracking is introduced by inserting interface elements along all potential crack paths. Interface behavior is given by a fracture energy-based work-softening plastic model with a coupled normal-shear failure surface. Numerical results of two different microstmctural arrangements subjected to pure tension are presented and discussed.