Multi-scale characterization and modelling of human cortical bone

Mechanical properties of cortical human bone have been investigated for more than over three decades. The objectives of the present study were 1) to investigate the influence of multiscale structural characteristics of the bone tissue on its mechanical behavior and 2) to perform a micro-macro numerical modelling based on the experimental data. It should be noted that variations of the osteon lamellae elastic properties are higher (40%) at the microstructural level [1] than those found at the macroscopic level (about 15%) [2] for measurements performed in the same anatomical direction. Physico-chemical analyses found that organic components were found to be higher for femurs exhibiting lower mechanical properties. There is a consistency between changes observed at the different levels. These results contribute to a basic understanding of the multiscale mechanical behavior of human cortical bone.