Abstract:
Nature’s evolution of a billion years has advanced
flawless functionality in limitless optimized
structures like bone structural adaptation in various
physiological behaviours. In this study, porous
structures are designed and fabricated from the
nature-inspired trabecular bone microarchitecture.
A three-dimensional (3D) model of the porous
trabecular architecture from the compressive proximal
zone of the femoral head was constructed using the
micro-computed tomography scanning tool. The
model was modified to get porous structures of
different volume fractions varying from 20 to
40% with an increment of 10%. The obtained
porous structures were 3D printed and analysed
for deformation-resistant behaviour. Quasi-static
compressive loading was performed at different
strain rates (0.001–1 s−1) to get an insight into
lightweight, high strength structural behaviour.
Mechanical parameters, such as specific modulus,
specific strength and specific energy absorption, were analysed for the optimal volume fraction. The original volume fraction (30%) of the trabecular
bone shows the highest value of mechanical parameters. This study can help engineers to select
and design lightweight porous structures with high energy-absorbing capacity, mimicking the
desired architecture and porosity available in nature.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science
and technology (part 3)’.
