Structural simulation of Ti–Ha–CaCO3 biocomposites using finite element analysis (FEA) for biomechanical stability of hip implant

Abstract

The structural integrity of new biocomposite implants is critical in ensuring the success of biomedical implants under physiological loading conditions. Studying the stress distribution, deformation, and potential failure modes under different loading scenarios is complex, expensive, and time-consuming, as it involves repeated surgery on clinical assessment. The present study aims to investigate the biomechanical stability of hip implants made of a Ti–Ha–CaCO3 biocomposite using finite element analysis. The Ti–Ha–CaCO3 biocomposite was modeled and simulated using Solidworks. The model mesh was generated to represent the implant’s geometry accurately, and normal human activities (standing and jumping) were considered the boundary conditions with the lower part of the femur fixed. The model was subjected to static loading following ISO 7206-4 with an equivalent load of 2300 N according to ASTM F2996-13 standard. The Ti–Ha–CaCO3 biocomposite demonstrated outstanding biomechanical stability under loading circumstances. The maximum von Mises stress (354.7 MPa) observed with the GSB-femur model in the implant was below the yield strength of the titanium implant, indicating that the implant can withstand applied loads without experiencing permanent deformation. However, 74.11 MPa was obtained as acceptable von Mises stress using GSB intramedullary rods for bone fixation. The most stable implant is DSB, with the lowest displacement value of 2.68 mm. Low equivalent strains were achieved for all the implants, as the highest strain (0.012) was obtained in the simulation of the stem DSB-femur model. Low-stress signals (SS) were obtained for the implant-femur models, indicating they are suitable for replacing bone for that loading. The DSB (7.19) is the most suitable among the studied stem-femur models, and GSB (0.87) remains the suitable intramedullary rod-femur model with the lowest SS.