Mode II Characterization of Cortical Bone Tissue using the ELS Test

Abstract

A miniaturized testing device of the end load split (ELS) test was conceived to evaluate fracture energy release rateunder pure mode II loading of young bovine cortical bone tissue. Since crack length is not possible to monitor duringpropagation, classical methods cannot be applied to determine fracture energy in this material. Hence, an equivalentcrack technique, which does not necessitate the crack length surveillance, was used to assess the equivalent crackextent. The applied data reduction scheme is based on the specimen compliance, beam theory and crack equivalentconcept, providing the assessment of the energy release rate. The method was dully validated through a numericalanalysis, by means cohesive zone modeling.