Simulation of the Mechanical Behaviour of Metal Gyroids for Bone Tissue Application

Materials (Basel). 2021 Aug 25;14(17):4808. doi: 10.3390/ma14174808.

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is a valid solution to build complex geometries, including lightweight structures. Among these, gyroids offer a viable concept for bone tissue application, although many preliminary trials would be required to validate the design before actual implantation. In this frame, this study is aimed at presenting the background and the steps to build a numerical simulation to extract the mechanical behaviour of the structure, thus reducing the experimental effort. The results of the simulation are compared to the actual outcome resulting from quasi-static compressive tests and the effectiveness of the model is measured with reference to similar studies presented in the literature about other lightweight structures.

Keywords: FEM; bone scaffolds; gyroid; simulation; validation.