Simplified screw-bone interface models for computationally efficient µFE simulations

Abstract

The realistic representation of the bone-screw interface is a challenging task and various approaches have been proposed. Computationally-intensive nonlinear μFE models [1] are able to model contact conditions including friction but are limited to small model sizes. Linear, computationally-efficient μFE models typically assume fully bonded screw-bone interfaces [2]. In order to realize contact in huge μFE models while maintaining computational efficiency, Steiner et al. [2] developed a simple technique which is based on the deletion of interface elements under tension. However, this technique may over-simplify the contact condition and has not been compared to general nonlinear contact μFE models. The goal of this study was to compare a well-known ABAQUS contact model to the Steiner model [2], a modified Steiner model, and a classical linear μFE model of a bone-screw.