Modelling the flexoelectric effect in human bone—A micromorphic approach

Titlbach A, Papastavrou A, McBride A, Steinmann P (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering Elsevier

Book Volume: 446

Article Number: 118234

DOI: 10.1016/j.cma.2025.118234

Abstract

Excessive habitual loading can cause microcracks in cortical bone, which are self-repaired through remodelling. The flexoelectric effect—electric potential generation due to inhomogeneous deformation—plays a key role in coordinating cellular healing activities. Based on McBride et al. (2020) and Titlbach et al. (2023), we propose a micromorphic framework that incorporates nonlinear electroelastic and flexoelectric contributions into the constitutive equations to determine the electric potential at a microcrack tip and, crucially, its impact on bone healing, which is captured through changes in nominal bone density. The framework is assessed using a prototypical cracked cantilever bone sample. Results demonstrate the model's ability to capture enhanced growth due to the flexoelectric effect and is complemented by a detailed analysis of the relevant material parameters.

Authors with CRIS profile

Paul Steinmann Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik (LTM)

Involved external institutions

Technische Hochschule Nürnberg "Georg Simon Ohm" DE Germany (DE) University of Glasgow GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Titlbach, A., Papastavrou, A., McBride, A., & Steinmann, P. (2025). Modelling the flexoelectric effect in human bone—A micromorphic approach. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2025.118234

MLA:

Titlbach, Anna, et al. "Modelling the flexoelectric effect in human bone—A micromorphic approach." Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 446 (2025).

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