Papers by Author: Lucian Bogdan

Abstract: Objectives: The mechanical characteristics of bone cement depend on the chemical composition, mixing technique, polymerization period and temperature. Additionally, the shape of the cement mantle can also lead to variations in the mechanical properties of the material, as thicker walls are significantly more non-homogeneous and less permeable for the body fluids. This paper presents experimental tensile tests on bone cement focused on the study of the influence of the test specimen shape on the obtained results.Methods: High viscosity bone cement, produced and supplied as polymer powder and monomer liquid portions was used. The mixed cement was inserted during the working time into two types of silicon molds: one with the shape and size according to ISO 527 (“dogbone” shape with rectangular cross section area) and other with the shape and size according to ASTM F 2118 (“dogbone” shape with circular cross section area). Both types of test specimens have approximately the same value of the cross sectional gauge area. All samples were polished with grit abrasive paper in the longitudinal direction and soaked in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. The specimens were subjected to a tensile test on a hydraulic machine. To avoid the occurrence of critical stress areas on the specimen, special fixing devices were manufactured.Results and conclusions: The stress–strain curves of all specimens tested exhibited similar linear elastic regime followed by brittle fracture. However, different values of the ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus of tested samples were recorded.

Abstract: Objectives: This paper presents a numerical fatigue life assessment of a self-expandable Nitinol stent. The analysis was performed using the ANSYS 11 software. Methods: Stent durability is an issue which must be addressed during the design of implants. Given the corrosive properties of blood and the cyclic loads that are applied on the stent (the cyclic variation of blood pressure), the determination of fracture parameters and fatigue characteristics of the implant is highly recommended. Breaking of the stent’s wire is particularly dangerous because it can cause the dislocation of a piece of stenotic plaque, which in turn can block a smaller artery, causing a heart attack. On the other hand, any discontinuity in stent structure acts as an accumulating place for stenosis particles, significantly shortening the life of the implant. The stent consists of a cylindrical tube 22.42 mm long, with a diameter of 8.3 millimeters. The wire section is square, 0.2x0.2 millimeters. The stent is only subjected to the pressure generated by the stenoted arterial wall. This evenly distributed pressure is defined at the outer surface of the stent and has a value of 2.5 MPa, corresponding to a 56% blood vessel stenosis. This way, the most severe loading conditions for the stent could be simulated. The stress distribution was then used to asses the fatigue life of the stent. Results and conclusions: The results showed that, in normal conditions (with the maximal internal pressure of 139 mm Hg = 18533 Pa), no damage appears on the stent after 10⁷ cycles.

Abstract: This paper presents a finite element analysis in order to determinate the stress distribution in an proposed model of the artificial cruciate ligament of the knee joint during the gait cycle.

Abstract: This paper presents a finite element analysis regarding the stress distribution in a cemented Austin Moore type hip prosthesis. The 3-D model was obtained using a Roland PICZA 3-D laser scanner. The applied loads simulate the normal gait cycle. The prosthesis is made from stainless steel with a femoral head of 45mm diameter. The numerical analysis was performed using the ABAQUS code. The results showed that the stress level in the cement is sensitive to the femoral neck angle. Starting with a standard, 125° angle, and increasing the angle with up to 5°, the resulting stress can be reduced with more than 10%. The proposed angle increase produces a more uniform stress distribution in the cemented section, increasing the durability of the arthoplasty.

Abstract: Nitinol (NiTi) is a biocompatible nickel titanium alloy widely used in medical applications and devices. In anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery of the knee, fine wires of NiTi are used because of its high elasticity and good memory shape behavior. In surgical procedures these wires are exposed to mechanical stress and high deformations. This paper presents the results of the tests performed on fine NiTi wires of 1.1 mm and 0.73 mm in diameter, exposed to tensile load, which frequently appears in orthopedic surgery. The tests were done at a temperature of 37o C, in order to observe the influence of tensile stress on the mechanical properties of NiTi. The obtained material properties are in good correlation with data from manufacturers. These results are useful in durability evaluation of fine NiTi wires utilized in surgical procedures.