Finite Element Analysis and Simulation of 316L Stainless Steel and Titanium Alloy for Orthopedic Hip and Knee Prosthetics

Background: Ferrous metals are used extensively in the manufacturing of plates, pins, Kirschner wires (K-wires), and screws, and in the performance of partial and total joint replacement surgeries for the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. The primary surgical procedures commonly performed are hip and knee replacement surgeries. Metals possess a combination of high modulus, yield point, and ductility, rendering them well suited for load-bearing applications, as they can withstand significant loads without experiencing substantial deformations or permanent alterations in their dimensions. Application of metals and alloys is of prime importance in orthopedics as they lead the way to overcoming many issues encountered in implant use. In some instances, pure metals are used, but alloys consisting of two or more elements typically exhibit greater material characteristics, including corrosion resistance as well as toughness. The first item to address when selecting a metallic implant material is its biocompatibility. In this regard, three classes of materials are also commonly known as biomedical metals—316L stainless steel, pure titanium, and titanium alloys. Objective: The aim of this work is to create a model describing the material behavior and then simulate the metals under a load of 2300 N, which is equivalent to plastic loading. Methods: Under ten different case studies, a sub-routine was developed to combine the material characteristics of titanium and 316L stainless steel with the software. Results: The outcomes of the research were then investigated. A femur model was created using ANSYS software, and two materials, stainless steel and titanium, were used. The model was then exposed to a force of 2300 N.