A Finite Element Analysis of Elbow Joint in Daily Activities

3-Dimensional elbow implant was built with SOLIDWORKS 2014 and the finite element analysis was performed with ANSYS. Designs of elbow implants were compared based on the linked, semi-constrained elbow implant design that was chosen and built in this study. The daily activities was said to be achieved within range of 30 degrees to 130 degrees of angle of flexion. Three common angles were picked to perform analysis, which are 30 degrees, 90 degrees and 130 degrees. Three types of materials were chosen for the metal components of the elbow implant which is Titanium, Copper and Stainless Steel. Polyethylene was chosen as the material for bushing. Values 0.1kg, 0.5kg, 1.5kg and 2.5kg were given to objects involved in daily activities. Results of stress from "Equivalent (von-Mises) Stress" and "Maximum Principal Stress" were compared. After the analysis, it was discovered that Titanium is the best material for elbow implant production, and failure of implant will likely to occur at the lower part of the humerus component and mid-ulnar component. The maximum values of the stress for all three materials of elbow implant were lower than the Ultimate Tensile Strength of the material. Therefore, the implant will provide a proper stress distribution when the individual perform his or her daily activities.