A model of force transmission in the tibio-femoral contact incorporating fluid and mixtures.

An axisymmetric finite element model is formulated which comprises a rigid spherical indentor, a meniscal ring and an articular cartilage layer, both considered as mixture materials which are interacting with an ideal fluid sub-system. From parameter studies it is concluded that the application of the mixture theory in comparison with solid modelling only leads to significant effects when the outer surfaces of the components are not sealed. The load distribution appears to change enormously during relaxation of the models. Initially the largest fraction of the load is borne by the fluid in the cavity, while at the end, when the system has reached its final configuration, the meniscal ring bears the major part of the load. Further, the length of the relaxation period appears to depend on the magnitude of the step change of the load. Finally, the curvature of the spherical indentor appears to have significant effects on the loading of the meniscal ring, only immediately after the step changes of load are applied, and these effects disappear as soon as the fluid starts to exude from the models.