Approximations of stiffness tensor of bone - determining and accuracy

TLDR: In this paper, a computer reconstruction composed of computer microtomograph imaging, finite element reconstruction and numerical tests results in an apparent stiffness tensor of bone, which is subjected to spectral and harmonic decompositions.

Abstract: Summary Properties of the apparent stiffness tensor of bone are investigated. The computer reconstruction composed of computer microtomograph imaging, nite element reconstruction and numerical tests results in apparent stiffness tensor of bone. Next the stiffness tensor is subjected to spectral and harmonic decompositions. Kelvin moduli and invariants of orthogonal projectors provided by spectral analysis as well as ve invariant parts resulting from harmonic decomposition are obtained. These scalar and tensorial invariants enable the analysis of properties of the stiffness tensor such as material symmetry. Finally, the closest isotropic stiffness tensor is derived and the possible orthotropic approximations are proposed and their accuracy is studied.