Finite element analysis of different contact bearing couples for human hip prosthesis

Abstract

The main concern limiting the long-run success of the total hip replacement is the limited service life. The success of the implant is mainly depends upon the proper material selection and design of the prosthesis. The present work is to develop the two dimensional finite element model of acetabular component to investigate the maximum von Mises stress, contact pressure, contact radius and mean contact pressure to yield strength ratio developed for the different material combinations. The different bearing couple considered for the analysis are metal in contact with plastic, metal on metal, metal on ceramic, ceramic on plastic, ceramic on metal and ceramic on ceramic combinations. The result reveals that the combination with the metal in contact with plastic i.e. cobalt chromium femoral head paired with UHMWPE cup reduces von Mises stress by 90%, contact pressure by 91% and additionally provides thrice the contact area in comparison with other combinations. The finite element results are validated with the experimental data’s and found to be in close correlation between them.