A limit analysis approach for the prediction of the human proximal femur ultimate load

Abstract. A limit analysis numerical procedure for the determination of a lower bound on ultimate load human proximal femur is presented. The procedure, already applied by authors in different contexts, based simplified 3D geometrical model and assumption few geometric material data available relevant literature. perfectly plastic behaviour bone, due to phenomena starting at molecular scale, orthotropic main tissues, trabecular cortical, allows assume yield surface Tsai-Wu-type its constitutive description. effectiveness promoted approach validated comparison obtained results with experimental findings in-vitro tests femurs.