Abstract
In this paper, we compare the response of a bone to a three-point bending load configuration. The response of the bone was analyzed using full-field digital image correlation (DIC) to measure the strains on the surface of the bone and using dial gauges to experimentally measure the deflection under loading conditions. The strain distribution and deflections at various locations along the length of the bone were used to make a comparison with standard Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to mark the differences between the two methods. The Young’s modulus was reduced in the FEA to match the deflections obtained from the three-point bending test. The full-field DIC image was then compared with the strain map obtained from FEA. Understanding the properties of bone and visualizing how bone reacts under stress can help clinicians to broaden their knowledge of fracture patterns. The knowledge gained from this study can also be used to introduce correction factors into the FEA methodology to numerically obtain comparative results.
