Last modified: 2020-07-16
Abstract
The finite element method (FEM) [1]-[2] is widely used in bone remodeling algorithms [3]-[4] because it can obtain relatively accurate stress and strain distribution. Compared to the traditional FEM, the smoothed finite element method (S-FEM) [2] can obtain more accurate stress and strain results, so that S-FEM could be a good alternative to the FEM in the bone remodeling algorithm. In this work, linear tetrahedral elements are used to discrete the problem domain, and smoothing domains are constructed based on these meshes. Strain energy density [4] is selected as the mechanical stimulus and density as the output variable for bone remodeling. In remodeling process, the density update of every step is realized over smoothing domains, and each smoothing domain has a set of linear elastic material parameters [5]. Three S-FEM models, including node-based, edge-based and face-based are applied to the remodeling progress. Different S-FEMs [6]-[8] have different properties, and different stress and strain results can be obtained. Therefore, the results of bone remodeling using different S-FEM with different properties are also obtained. Thus, further understanding the process of bone remodeling.