Acoustic emission propagation through bone tissue with focus on a jaw bone surrogate model

Abstract

Implants are used to improve quality of life, for example, dental implants can resolve negative effects of tooth loss, however current techniques for monitoring dental implants have limitations. An Acoustic Emission Finite Element framework could reduce limitations, whilst adding more capabilities. To realise this, simulations of AE propagation through an implant-less system are needed. Therefore the aim of this study was to simulate AE propagation through bone tissue. To that end, a material model for bone was developed and implemented into FE, in-conjunction with µCT-image-based 3D rib models created from fifteen rib samples used in the AE experiments. These experiments were then sim ulated in FE – ten of the samples were used to identify viscoelastic parameter β for the material model. The remaining five were used to validate the simulations of AE propa gation through bone. The material model was verified against theory, and the viscoelastic parameter, β, was identified to range from 0.0648 to 0.22 for the ten samples, with no clear correlation with bone sample properties. The material model was validated with three out of the five samples used for validation. Simulation of AE propagation through bone can be accomplished, thus there is potential for development of an AE FE implant monitoring framework.