FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR IN HUMAN FEMORAL BONE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HOMOGENEOUS ISOTROPIC AND HETEROGENEOUS ISOTROPIC MATERIAL MODELS

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of different finite element material modeling approaches on the mechanical response of a femoral bone segment under three-point bending. Four material variants, ranging from homogeneous isotropic to heterogeneous isotropic models, were analyzed to assess their impact on displacement and stress distribution. Results demonstrate that material heterogeneity significantly affects displacement magnitudes, with homogeneous models underestimating deformation compared to heterogeneous ones that more realistically represent cortical and cancellous bone properties. Stress distribution patterns were primarily governed by geometry and boundary conditions, though stress concentrations near supports were identified as potential numerical artifacts. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating bone heterogeneity and anisotropy in FEM for accurate biomechanical simulations. Future research should focus on advanced anisotropic modeling, nonlinear behavior, and physiologically relevant loading conditions to enhance predictive capabilities, particularly for clinical applications such as implant design and surgical planning.