Computational Assessment of Orthopedic Implant Durability Using Finite Element Analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) provides a rapid and cost-effective method to evaluate orthopedic implants. This research investigates the mechanical performance and long-term durability of a seven-hole SS 316L Basic Fragment Set (BFS) reconstruction plate designed for pelvic fractures. Adhering to ASTM standards, material properties were defined via tensile testing (ASTM E8), while static and fatigue analyses were performed using a displacement control method in a four-point bending test setup in SOLIDWORKS 2024 (ASTM F382). The static analysis predicted failure from plastic deformation at a force of 367 N, with a maximum stress of 621.92 MPa. The fatigue simulation predicted a lifespan of 483,754 cycles. To validate the simulation, these computational results were compared to experimental data, demonstrating high accuracy with deviations of only 3.34% for maximum force and 1.19% for fatigue life. These findings confirm that FEA is a highly reliable tool for predicting mechanical performance, enabling the orthopedic industry to optimize implant designs, enhance patient safety, and improve production efficiency.