Modified two-parameter fracture model for bone

The analysis of the bone fracture behaviour is fundamental for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of traumas. In the present paper, an experimental campaign on fracture behaviour of bovine femoral cortical bones is conducted to characterise the fracture toughness, KICS, which is related to the structure and load-bearing capacity of bones. Firstly, KICS is evaluated through a two-parameter model originally proposed for quasi-brittle materials. To take into account the crack deflection (kinked crack) due to osteons orientation, the two-parameter model is modified by applying the Castigliano theorem. Fracture toughness results here obtained are compared with those related to a femur of an 18-month-old bovine, available in the literature.