Sp. Kotha et N. Guzelsu, The effects of interphase and bonding on the elastic modulus of bone: changes with age-related osteoporosis, MED ENG PHY, 22(8), 2000, pp. 575-585
A simple shear lag model is developed to analyze the physics of the stress
transfer between the organic and mineral constituents of bone tissue in the
presence of an interphase and changes in bonding. The analytical model is
developed assuming interactions between overlapped bone mineral platelets.
The platelets are assumed to carry the axial stresses while the organic mat
rix transfers the stresses from one platelet to another by shear. A decreas
e in the interphase mechanical properties decreases the elastic modulus due
to increased shear between the overlapped platelets. A decrease in bonding
decreases the elastic modulus due to an increase in the axial stress trans
ferred from the ends of the platelet. The implications of the changes in pa
rameters on the age-related disorders of bone (osteoporois) are discussed.
It is suggested that the aspect ratio and volume fraction of the mineral in
the remaining bone tissue would increase due to a reduction in the density
of the bone. The mechanical properties of the organic are hypothesized to
increase due to a reduction in the density of bone leading to an increased
tendency for damage within the organic. (C) 2001 IPEM. Published by Elsevie
r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.