ABSTRACT
In this work, a topology optimization model for bone adaptation is used to compare the performance of three distinct numerical approaches—the Finite Element Method (FEM), the Radial Point Interpolation Method (RPIM) and the Natural Neighbour Radial Point Interpolation Method (NNRPIM). Since bone is a living tissue suffering continuous remodelling, a new bone tissue remodelling algorithm, based on deformation energy methods, is implemented, allowing the study of this process. Additionally, the applied phenomenological law governing the mechanical behaviour of bone tissue is a recently developed experimental law that correlates the bone apparent density with the obtained level of stress. For all numerical approaches, results show that the remodelling algorithm is capable to reproduce the trabecular distribution observed in the femur bone. The NNRPIM has proven to be the most advantageous, producing more accurate results.
