Validation of a small punch testing technique to characterize the mechanical behaviour of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.

摘要: The small punch or miniaturized disc bend test has been used successfully to characterize the ductility and fracture resistance of metals ceramics with specimens measuring 0.5 mm in thickness. This study was performed demonstrate feasibility performing tests on implant grade ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Large-deformation finite element simulations were developed validated explore hypothesis that macroscopic constitutive behaviour UHMWPE may be inferred from a miniature specimen testing technique which can work failure for UHMWPE. load-displacement curve insensitive cyclic preconditioning only mildly sensitive loading rate. Furthermore, initial slope determine elastic modulus help inverse method. ultimate goal this research is develop capability perform local measurements material tensile static properties as-manufactured, as-sterilized as-retrieved components.