Modeling and computing of stress and strain distribution in UHMW polyethylene elements of chosen artificial human joints

Abstract

The aim of the study was to present numerical strength analysis of the virtual knee and hip joints for the most popular tribological pairs used in prosthetic arthroplasty based on the Finite Elements Method. FEM makes it possible to calculate the stress in particular elements of the tested models. The research was dedicated to elucidate abrasive wear mechanisms during surface grinding of a polyethylene UHMW and a metal elements of endoprostheses. Strong adhesion was found between the abrasives and workpieces, which might be attributed to the chemical bonding between the abrasives and workpieces in synovial liquid. Therefore, the wear of UHMWPE is both chemical and physical. Abrasive wear effect, as a result of the abrasive wear process, is associated with material loss of the element surface layer due to the separation of particles by fissuring, stretching, or micro-cutting.

Keywords

• uhmw polyethylene
• knee and hip joint endoprostheses
• fem
• abrasive wear
• tribo-chemical wear