A computational study of fracture in the calcaneus under variable impact conditions

Sai Nithin Reddy Kantareddy, Rebecca A. Fleldlng, Michael J. Robinson, Reuben H. Kraft

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This preliminary study aims to computationally model and study the fracture patterns in the human calcaneus during variable impact loading conditions. A finite element model of the foot and ankle is used to understand the effect of loading rates and orientation of the foot on fracture patterns. Simulations are carried out by applying varying impact velocities of steel pwte to the foot & ankle model in accordance with data regarding underbody bfusts. These impact velocities are applied to reach a peak in 1.5 ms. Fracture of bone is represented using the pfustic kinematic constitutive model with element erosion method, where elements are removed from the simulation after an inewstic failure strain is exceeded. The simuwtions fust for 5 ms to observe the extent of fracture in the calcaneus. Following simufutions, the resulting fracture patterns are compared to avaifuble images from experimental impact tests to qualitatively assess the simufutions. A mesh convergence study is performed to determine the level of refinement of mesh necessary to represent this problem. The mesh appears to converge at the refinement level of the medium coarse mesk The effect of impact velocities on fracture is studied on unjlexed and flexed foot models. At lower velocities, fracture is observed in the form of a single continuous crack, and a pronounced branched type of network is observed at higher velocities. Finally, variationin fracture networks due to variability in strength of the bone is studied. For lower values of f ailure strain, significantly wrger and branched networks of fracture are observed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBiomedical and Biotechnology Engineering
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791857380
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015
EventASME 2015 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2015 - Houston, United States
Duration: Nov 13 2015Nov 19 2015

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume3-2015

Other

OtherASME 2015 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston
Period11/13/1511/19/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Mechanical Engineering

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