Numerical Simulation of Polymeric Extruded Scaffolds Under Compression

Tissue engineering represents a new field aiming at developing biological substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve tissue functions. In this approach, scaffolds provide a temporary mechanical and vascular support for tissue regeneration. Scaffolds must be biocompatible, biodegradable, with appropriate porosity, pore structure and distribution, and optimal vascularization properties. Establishing a proper balance between porosity and mechanical performance is a critical design challenge for these scaffolds. This research work presents a numerical simulation strategy to study compressive behavior of scaffolds with different pore sizes. Cellular solid models were the models used for simulation purposes and its results agrees with the experimental data.