Mechanical properties
Strength
- The load carrying capacity of a material
- Rules of thumb:
Strength: Material strength primarily dependent on composition, structure, porosity and elasticity
Strength: Ca-P ceramics strong under compression and weak under torsion loads
Strength: Ca-P cement compressive modulus stronger compared to Ha or TCP granules
Strength: TCP quicker loss of mechanical strength compared to HA in vivo
Stiffness
- The resistance to elastic deformation
Strain
- The deformation of a material by a force acting on the material
- Strain can be tensile or compressive (plastic or viscoelastic deformation)
Young’s Modulus (modulus of elasticity)
- Unique property of a material; measure of a material to resist deformation and return to its original shape
Creep
- Permanent deformation under influence of mechanical stress
Strength
- The load carrying capacity of a material
Mechanical properties of bone vary with depending on load orientation with respect to the orientation of tissue (anisotropy) and the speed to which the load is applied (viscoelasticity).11