Ultrasonic Estimation of Volume Fraction of Kelvin Structure Using Micro-Structural Model

Abstract:

A quantitative ultrasound (QUS) method is developed for estimation of volume fraction of porous Kelvin structure to understand acoustic characteristics of trabecular bone. A Kelvin cellular specimen composed of isotropic tetra-kaidecahedron was produced by 3D printer with ABS plastic material to simulate artificial trabecular bone. The unit cell of Kelvin specimen has a size of 3.4mm and 81% of porosity. The specimen was completely filled with paraffin wax as a substitute of bone marrow. The speed of sound (SOS) of the wax-filled Kelvin specimen was measured using the time-of-flight (TOF) of ultrasound. Based on micro-structural model, shape parameters of Kelvin specimen is correlated with SOS and elastic constant to evaluate volume fraction of the specimen quantitatively. 25.8% of volume fraction was estimated for the Kelvin specimen which has actual volume fraction of 19%. It is concluded from experiment that the ultrasonic method developed in this study is effective and can be applied to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 864)
• Pages: 218-223
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.864.218
• Online since: April 2017
• Authors: Woo Chan Ethan Kim, Seung Yong Yang, Noh Yu Kim*
• Keywords: Acoustic Wave Velocity, Elastic Modulus, Kelvin Foam, Porous Material, Ultrasonic Evaluation

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