Non-destructive Thermographic Stress Analysis of a New Composite Plate for Femur Fracture Fixation

The present aim of this study is to use an infrared thermography technique to non-destructively measure the three-dimensional surface stress field in a synthetic femur fracture model repaired with a new composite plate vs a clinically-used metal plate. To this end, there are three main phases of this study. First, the infrared thermography system will be calibrated, which is needed because the composite plate is made of several layers of woven material which have differing material properties resulting in differing thermographic properties. Second, peak stress on the new composite plate and the host femur will be identified as sites for potential mechanical failure, thereby allowing the optimal repair method to be determined. Third, the mechanical performance will be compared of a standard metal fracture plate vs. the new prototype composite plate made from a polymer-based composite material.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Habiba Bougherara

Student:

Zahra Bagheri

Partner:

Martin Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

Ryerson University