i) To use damage mechanics concepts to predict the onset and development of damage (i.e. microcracks) in trabecular bone;

ii) to use fracture mechanics concepts to predict the propagation of microcracks in trabeculae;

iii) computational models to capture bone non-linear bone behavior (as a part of 4th PhD year).

For the first time in the current scientific literature, GAP will propose a multi-scale bone damage model, able to simulate crack initiation and progression at different hierarchical levels. The stress intensity factor (K), considered as the crucial fracture mechanics parameter is calculated from the computational models and compared with experimental values. A critical value of K will be an indicative parameter for fracture progression. The validation of the models opens the doors for patient-specific damage models, able to predict the evolution of local damage.

Enrolment: TCD

Secondments:

1) Prof. Tromba, ELETTRA: to understanding of the synchrotron experiments and their data analysis

2) Prof. Berto, NTNU: to coordinate theoretical approaches in damage mechanics and fracture mechanics

i) Finite element models and analysis to locate regions of high local stress during compression testing. Isolating bone toughening and weakening phenomena;

ii) a numerical method for predicting and quantifying crack propagation rates for cracks in individual trabeculae and in complex trabecular networks;

iii) Comparison of linear and non-linear bone damage models (as a part of 4th PhD year).