Quantifying the Effects of Formalin Fixation on the Mechanical Properties of Cortical Bone Using Beam Theory and Optimization Methodology With Specimen-Specific Finite Element Models

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guan-Jun Zhang ◽  
Jie Yang ◽  
Feng-Jiao Guan ◽  
Dan Chen ◽  
Na Li ◽  
...  

The effects of formalin fixation on bone material properties remain debatable. In this study, we collected 36 fresh-frozen cuboid-shaped cortical specimens from five male bovine femurs and immersed half of the specimens into 4% formalin fixation liquid for 30 days. We then conducted three-point bending tests and used both beam theory method and an optimization method combined with specimen-specific finite element (FE) models to identify material parameters. Through the optimization FE method, the formalin-fixed bones showed a significantly lower Young's modulus (−12%) compared to the fresh-frozen specimens, while no difference was observed using the beam theory method. Meanwhile, both the optimization FE and beam theory methods revealed higher effective failure strains for formalin-fixed bones compared to fresh-frozen ones (52% higher through the optimization FE method and 84% higher through the beam theory method). Hence, we conclude that the formalin fixation has a significant effect on bovine cortical bones at small, elastic, as well as large, plastic deformations.

Author(s):  
Weiling Zheng ◽  
Longxi Zheng

In order to study whether the interfacial crack will grow or not in the composite laminates, the energy release rate of a crack in three-point bending model was obtained by using the Timoshenko beam theory and local generalized forces. The results of energy release rate were validated by the finite element results. The results indicate that the energy release rate of left crack tip is equal to that of the right crack tip when the crack before the crack goes cross the loading point; after the crack goes cross the loading point, the energy release rate of the left crack tip increases and then decreases gradually, while the energy release rate of right crack tip decreases first and increases later; the energy release rate of left crack tip is equal to that of the right crack tip again when the crack is symmetric with the loading point.


2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512199404
Author(s):  
Makoto Hasegawa ◽  
Desiree A Marshall ◽  
Luis F Gonzalez-Cuyar ◽  
Daniel S Hippe ◽  
Shar Samy ◽  
...  

Background Generally, studies of gadolinium (Gd) deposition in humans measure concentration by analyzing formalin fixed postmortem tissue. However, the effect of formalin fixation on measured Gd concentration has not been well investigated. Purpose To evaluate the effect of fixation by comparing Gd concentration in fresh versus formalin-fixed postmortem human tissues. Material and Methods Fresh samples of bone and skin were collected from autopsy cases with previous exposure to Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs). The type of GBCA administered, dose, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were recorded. Each tissue sample was cut into three aliquots. Paired samples were stored fresh frozen while the remaining two were stored in 10% neutral buffered formalin for one and three months, respectively. Gd concentration was measured using ICP-MS. Results Of 18 autopsy cases studied, 12 were exposed to only macrocyclic GBCA, one to only linear agents, and five received both macrocyclic and linear agents. On average, Gd concentration for bone decreased 30.7% after one month of fixation ( P = 0.043) compared to non-fixed values. There was minimal, if any, change in concentration between one and three months (average decrease 1.5%; P = 0.89). The findings were numerically similar for skin tissue with an average decrease of 36.9% after one month ( P = 0.11) and 6.0% ( P = 0.73) between one and three months. Conclusion Formalin fixation appears to decrease Gd concentration in bone and skin by approximately 30%–40% on average. The largest decrease occurs within the first 30 days of fixation followed by a considerably smaller decrease at 60 days.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Abambres ◽  
Dinar Camotim ◽  
Miguel Abambres

A 2nd order inelastic Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) formulation based on the J2 flow theory is proposed, being a promising alternative to the shell finite element method. Its application is illustrated for an I-section beam and a lipped-C column. GBT results were validated against ABAQUS, namely concerning equilibrium paths, deformed configurations, and displacement profiles. It was concluded that the GBT modal nature allows (i) precise results with only 22% of the number of dof required in ABAQUS, as well as (ii) the understanding (by means of modal participation diagrams) of the behavioral mechanics in any elastoplastic stage of member deformation .


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Abambres

Original Generalized Beam Theory (GBT) formulations for elastoplastic first and second order (postbuckling) analyses of thin-walled members are proposed, based on the J2 theory with associated flow rule, and valid for (i) arbitrary residual stress and geometric imperfection distributions, (ii) non-linear isotropic materials (e.g., carbon/stainless steel), and (iii) arbitrary deformation patterns (e.g., global, local, distortional, shear). The cross-section analysis is based on the formulation by Silva (2013), but adopts five types of nodal degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) – one of them (warping rotation) is an innovation of present work and allows the use of cubic polynomials (instead of linear functions) to approximate the warping profiles in each sub-plate. The formulations are validated by presenting various illustrative examples involving beams and columns characterized by several cross-section types (open, closed, (un) branched), materials (bi-linear or non-linear – e.g., stainless steel) and boundary conditions. The GBT results (equilibrium paths, stress/displacement distributions and collapse mechanisms) are validated by comparison with those obtained from shell finite element analyses. It is observed that the results are globally very similar with only 9% and 21% (1st and 2nd order) of the d.o.f. numbers required by the shell finite element models. Moreover, the GBT unique modal nature is highlighted by means of modal participation diagrams and amplitude functions, as well as analyses based on different deformation mode sets, providing an in-depth insight on the member behavioural mechanics in both elastic and inelastic regimes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnab Bose ◽  
Prabhakar Sathujoda ◽  
Giacomo Canale

Abstract The present work aims to analyze the natural and whirl frequencies of a slant-cracked functionally graded rotor-bearing system using finite element analysis for the flexural vibrations. The functionally graded shaft is modelled using two nodded beam elements formulated using the Timoshenko beam theory. The flexibility matrix of a slant-cracked functionally graded shaft element has been derived using fracture mechanics concepts, which is further used to develop the stiffness matrix of a cracked element. Material properties are temperature and position-dependent and graded in a radial direction following power-law gradation. A Python code has been developed to carry out the complete finite element analysis to determine the Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors of a slant-cracked rotor subjected to different thermal gradients. The analysis investigates and further reveals significant effect of the power-law index and thermal gradients on the local flexibility coefficients of slant-cracked element and whirl natural frequencies of the cracked functionally graded rotor system.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 1950064
Author(s):  
P. F. Xu ◽  
S. Y. Duan ◽  
F. Wang

Lightweight of wheel hubs is the linchpin for reducing the unsprung mass and improving the vehicle dynamic and braking performance of vehicles, thus, sustaining stability and comfortability. Current experience-based lightweight designs of wheel hubs have been argued to render uneven distribution of materials. This work develops a novel method to combine the reverse modeling technique with the topological optimization method to derive lightweight wheel hubs based on the principles of mechanics. A reverse modeling technique is first adopted to scan and reproduce the prototype 3D geometry of the wheel hub with solid ribs. The finite element method (FEM) is then applied to perform stress analysis to identify the maximum stress and its location of wheel hub under variable potential physical conditions. The finite element model is then divided into optimization region and nonoptimized region: the former is the interior portion of spoke and the latter is the outer surface of the spoke. A topology optimization is then conducted to remove the optimization region which is interior material of the spokes. The hollow wheel hub is then reconstructed with constant wall thickness about 5[Formula: see text]mm via a reverse modeling technique. The results show that the reconstructed model can reduce the mass of 12.7% compared to the pre-optimized model. The present method of this paper can guarantee the optimal distribution of wheel hub material based on mechanics principle. It can be implemented automatically to shorten the time interval for optimal lightweight designs. It is especially preferable for many existing structures and components as it maintains the structural appearance of optimization object.


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