Prediction of an optimum parametric combination for minimum thrust force in bone drilling: A simulated annealing approach

Abstract

Minimally invasive drilling of bone has a great demand in orthopaedic surgical process as it helps in better fixation and quick healing of the damaged bones. The aim of the present study is to find out the optimal setting of the bone drilling parameters (spindle speed and feed rate) for minimum thrust force during bone drilling using simulated annealing (SA). The bone drilling experiments were carried out by central composite design scheme and based on the results obtained, a response surface model for thrust force as a function of drilling parameters is developed. This model is used as an objective function in the SA approach. The results of the confirmation experiments showed that the SA can effectively predict the optimal settings of spindle speed and feed rate for minimum thrust force during bone drilling. The suggested methodology can be very useful for orthopaedic surgeons to minimize the drilling induced bone tissue injury. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.