TU Delft Researchers Discuss Microstructural Optimization for 3D Printing Trabecular Bone http://bit.ly/2AVitXP Trabecular bone, also known as spongy or cancellous bone, is one of two types of bone found in the human body. It is found at the end of long bones, in the pelvic bones, ribs, skull and vertebrae. Trabecular bone is one of many microstructures with spatially varying properties found in nature. In a paper entitled “Compatibility in microstructural optimization for additive manufacturing,” a group of researchers points out that these microstructures can now be created by additive manufacturing. One challenge in the computational design of such materials is ensuring compatibility between adjacent microstructures. The researchers’ work aims to find the optimal connectivity between topology optimized microstructures.
When designing orthopedic implants, the researchers point out, it “may be desirable to have a continuous transition from denser microstructures in the central region to highly porous microstructures at the bone-implant interface.” This functional gradation promotes bony ingrowth at the bone-implant interface, they continue, while maintaining structural integrity and increasing mechanical properties in areas where bony ingrowth is not relevant. The researchers presented a method of ensuring mechanical compatibility among topology optimized microstructures.
The method was extended to allow maximum length scale and isotropy in microstructures. The researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of their proposed method in a number of designs, including functionally graded materials and multiscale structures. They also showed that the optimized microstructures can be fabricated by additive manufacturing technology. This has implications for a number of applications, including orthopedic implants, which 3D printing can optimize for better growth of new bone.
Authors of the paper include Eric Garner, Helena M.A. Kulken, Charlie C.L. Wang, Amir A. Zadpoor and Jun Wu. Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.
Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com January 18, 2019 at 10:18AM
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