The Effect of Strain Rate on Bone Fragility and Clinical Applications

The loading rate influences the fracture mechanics of bone. The effect of strain rate on bone tissue was studied. Two sets of dynamic tests were performed, where the impact energy E = 70 J was kept as a constant value. In the first set, the impact velocity of the striker was set to 5.15 m/s, and in the second set of dynamic tests, the impact velocity was set to 7.84 m/s. In each set, four pig femurs were tested, resulting in a total of eight femurs tested. In order to maintain the same impact energy, when testing at a lower velocity, a set of weights (+3 kg) was added to the impactor. The ductility index evaluates the propagation behaviour of brittle versus ductile fracture based on direct force measurements from a force/time diagram.