Mechanical and Computational Fluid Dynamic Models for Magnesium-Based Implants

• Published in: Materials Vol. 17; no. 4; p. 830
• Main Authors: Manescu Paltanea, Veronica, Paltanea, Gheorghe, Antoniac, Aurora, Gruionu, Lucian Gheorghe, Robu, Alina, Vasilescu, Marius, Laptoiu, Stefan Alexandru, Bita, Ana Iulia, Popa, Georgiana Maria, Cocosila, Andreea Liliana, Silviu, Vlad, Porumb, Anca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.02.2024
• Subjects: 3D printing implants; Alloys; Biocompatibility; Biodegradable materials; Bones; Composite materials; computational fluid dynamics; Computer software industry; Design; Dynamic models; finite element analysis; Finite element method; Fluid dynamics; Fluid flow; Magnesium; Mechanical properties; Mg-based implants; Modulus of elasticity; Numerical analysis; Orthopedics; Permeability; Pore size; Pressure drop; Safety factors; Shear stress; Simulation methods; Static loads; Stem cells; Tissue engineering; Transplants & implants; Wall shear stresses; United States; Romania; 3D printing implants; Mg-based implants; finite element analysis; computational fluid dynamics; mechanical properties; permeability
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma17040830

Today, mechanical properties and fluid flow dynamic analysis are considered to be two of the most important steps in implant design for bone tissue engineering. The mechanical behavior is characterized by Young's modulus, which must have a value close to that of the human bone, while from the fluid dynamics point of view, the implant permeability and wall shear stress are two parameters directly linked to cell growth, adhesion, and proliferation. In this study, we proposed two simple geometries with a three-dimensional pore network dedicated to a manufacturing route based on a titanium wire waving procedure used as an intermediary step for Mg-based implant fabrication. Implant deformation under different static loads, von Mises stresses, and safety factors were investigated using finite element analysis. The implant permeability was computed based on Darcy's law following computational fluid dynamic simulations and, based on the pressure drop, was numerically estimated. It was concluded that both models exhibited a permeability close to the human trabecular bone and reduced wall shear stresses within the biological range. As a general finding, the proposed geometries could be useful in orthopedics for bone defect treatment based on numerical analyses because they mimic the trabecular bone properties.