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Abstract

This study examines the effects of density and microstructural anisotropy on longitudinal crack propagation in compact bone. Bovine cortical bone samples were demineralized by acid, producing specimens with a wide range of bone density. Ultrasound velocity was measured in the radial and longitudinal directions of each specimen using a pulse transmission technique. A proposed microstructural anisotropy parameter based on these ultrasound velocities was introduced and evaluated. The critical stress intensity factors K_IC of these specimens were determined by mechanical fracture toughness tests. A linear regression study demonstrated that assessment of fracture toughness was precisely achieved by the combined effect of density and microstructural anisotropy of compact bone (r² = 0.951, p < 0.0001).

Keywords

fracture toughness anisotropy ultrasound density cortical bone

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The Effect of Ultrasonically Determined Anisotropy on Longitudinal Fracture of Cortical Bone

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