Ultrasonic Measurement of Orthotropic Elastic Constants of Bovine Femoral Bone

Abstract

Using a pulse transmission ultrasound method, we have determined the elastic properties of bone samples taken from along the length and around the periphery of a bovine femur. Twenty specimens, in the form of 5-mm cubes, were tested. All nine of the orthotropic elastic constants were determined for each specimen. Analysis of our data indicate that there are statistically significant variations from the usual assumption of transverse isotropy.