Finite Element Analysis and Theoretical Wear Behaviour for Total Hip Replacement

Abstract

In consideration of total hip replacement (THR) and theoretical life estimation, we extensively performed finite element analysis and predicted the wear behaviour of different head sizes of 28, 30 and 32 mm and two bearing systems namely ZTA head—ZTA liner and Ti6Al4V head—UHMWPE liner. Static but stance activity was encountered for the 100 kg subject, where the ZTA head—ZTA liner combination exhibit less von mises stress compared to Ti6Al4V head—UHMWPE liner bearing. Interestingly, 30 mm femoral head experiences more jump distance (JD) and more range of motion (ROM) in comparison of the 28 mm femoral head, and less deformation compares to 32 mm femoral head. The wear behaviour is estimated using Archard’s law and predicted wear depth is around 600 µm for 15 years for 30 mm femoral head during articulating motion with identical tribocouple.