Numerical tests for assessing finite element model convergence

Abstract

SUMMARYNew requirements for finite element model convergence are defined. It is shown that the presence of constant strain states in an element is not sufficient to guarantee convergence.Numerical tests are proposed to assess convergence, direction of convergence, monotonicity of convergence, convergence rate and monotonicity of convergence rate. The proposed tests are mathematically stronger and more general than existing tests.

Experimental validation of intact and implanted distal femur finite element models

“…The models should be sufficiently refined to represent accurately the geometry and mechanical behavior of the bone structure they simulate (Huiskes and Chao, 1983;Verma and Melosh, 1987). The results are mesh sensitive and ideally a convergence test should be performed to test the model accuracy.…”

Tetrahedral versus hexahedral finite elements in numerical modelling of the proximal femur

“…In fact, much research has been done on finite element meshing and element performance (see e.g. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]) and improvement of these (see e.g. [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]).…”

Numerical and Experimental Models of the Mandible

“…Concerning the material of the model, this is in fact a evident limitation of the study. However some authors [19,20] used cortical properties of bone as an isotropic material, considering lower influence of cancellous bone in the biomechanics behavior of the mandible. The geometry of model was acquired from a polymeric mandible; in fact, this is the only way to build the numerical model with a well known and defined geometry.…”

“…These models can be used for different biomechanical analyses to predict the performance of implants. These finite element models should be sufficiently refined to represent accurately the geometry and mechanical behavior of the bone structure they simulate [20]. Some research has been done on FE meshing and element performance and addressed the distortion quality measure used in post-meshing activities [21,22].…”