New three-dimensional model based on finite element method of bone nanostructure: single TC molecule scale level

Abstract

At the macroscopic scale, the bone mechanical behavior (fracture, elastic) depends mainly on itscomponents nature at the nanoscopic scale (collagen, mineral). Thus, an understanding of themechanical behavior of the elementary components is demanded to understand the phenomenathat can be observed at the macroscopic scale. In this article, a new numerical model based on finiteelement method is proposed in order to describe the mechanical behavior of a single Tropocollagenmolecule. Furthermore, a parametric study with different geometric properties covering themolecular composition and the rate hydration influence is presented. The proposed model has beentested under tensile loading. While focusing on the entropic response, the geometric parametervariation effect on the mechanical behavior of Tropocollagen molecule has been revealed using themodel. Using numerical and experimental testing, the obtained numerical simulation results seemto be acceptable, showing a good agreement with those found in literature.