SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF POROUS BONE-LIKE MICROSTRUCTURES WITH SPECIFIC MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

Bone trabecular structure can be characterized as a connected network of mineral bars and plates with unique mechanical properties. Standard methods of producing bone-like structures based on periodic structures or foams have same limitations. The organization of the trabecular bone (meso scale) is adapted to the values of stresses and strains affecting the skeletal system. To simulate bone-like structure, the methodology of generating stochastic structure based on hyperuniform spatial points distribution is proposed. Statistical analysis of generated structure shows the possibility to generate clouds of points in wide range of random close packing density, up to 59.52%. Points connected by Voronoi tessellation produce to unique porous topology with no closed-cells and with wide range of connectivity. Manufacturing of a generated structure is only limited by used technique. The proposed algorithm was developed regardless of the manufacturing technique, however, same examples of the structure were printed using 3D addictive technology. The mechanical properties of developed structure are strongly dependent on the material from which they are made, but the modification of the structure allows to change the strength in specific and controlled way.