Predictive modelling of hydroxyapatite-polyethylene composite.

A predictive model for hydroxyapatite-reinforced polyethylene composite has been developed using the finite element analysis method. The simulation is based on the analysis of a representative cell. Results for the complete material can be derived using a spatial statistical material model. Predicted values of Young's modulus are found to be in reasonable agreement with experimentally measured values over a wide range of hydroxyapatite volume fraction. The predictive model can be used to investigate the micromechanical behaviour of the material. This investigation leads to significant elucidation of the failure processes for this material.