Numerical analysis of fatigue crack growth of hip implant

Abstract

Fatigue crack growth in hip implant has been analysed using the extended finite element method. Toward this aim, the three-dimensional finite element model is created and used in ABAQUS and Morfeo/crack add-in for ABAQUS to simulate fatigue crack growth from initial value up to the critical point. Initial crack dimensions are assumed according to the experience with failures of hip implants, whereas the final, critical value was estimated using data for fracture toughness obtained by experimental testing of hip implant made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Results for the equivalent stress intensity factor and number of cycles in each of 40 steps of fatigue crack growth are presented and analysed, indicating the point of unstable crack growth.