Improving the Finite Element Simulation of Wear of Total Hip Prosthesis’ Spherical Joint with the Polymeric Component

The advanced model of wear in the spherical joint of total hip prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in combination with a metal or ceramic femoral head is developed. The wear model is based on the classical Archard-Lancaster equation in common with all other studies reported in literature. The finite element solution of the contact problem between the cup and the head was employed under the loading and angular motions conditions according to the ISO 14242-1 demands. The polymer wear in terms of cumulative linear and volume wear when the wear factor is chosen to be a function of contact pressure is first evaluated.