P. Vena et al., Optimal design of interfaces in a femoral head surface replacement prosthesis considering nonlinear behaviour, STRUCT OPT, 18(2-3), 1999, pp. 162-172
Shape optimization problems applied in the field of biomechanics are presen
ted. Particularly the shape optimization of interfaces separating the bone
tissue from the orthopaedic implant are considered. Nonlinear interface beh
aviour is included in the computational models: a nonlinear elastic model a
nd a damage based model. For the two nonlinear interface constitutive laws
an analytical shape sensitivity formulation has been developed. The objecti
ve functions included both the effect of the interface stresses and of the
interface micromotions. The optimization procedure provided optimal designs
, which display better mechanical performance in terms of interface stresse
s and damage diffusion.