Numerical Analysis of Mechanical Response in Various Ti6Al4V Scaffolds for Orthopedic Bone Implants

Abstract

In this study, porous scaffolds for orthopedic implants made of Ti6Al4V material are investigated with respect to their structural and mechanical optimization. The suitability of these lattice structures for osseointegration and load-bearing applications was evaluated by finite element analysis (FEA) with porosities of 23% to 89%. The mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus and yield strength, were assessed to align with cortical and trabecular bone requirements. 11 out of 24 scaffold configurations were found to meet mechanical criteria for bone compatibility. These include IsoTruss, Re-Entrant, BCC, and Diamond unit cells with particular configurations and porosities ranging from 54% to 85%. Trabecular bone properties were mimicked by scaffolds with high porosities while the cortical bone properties were mimicked by scaffolds with high densities. Sensitivity analysis revealed that Re-Entrant scaffolds were the most sensitive to strut thickness and unit cell volume variations, and IsoTruss and Re-Entrant scaffolds were found to be highly mechanically efficient. The structural performance of the scaffolds was also validated against the Gibson–Ashby model. This work thus demonstrates the capability of porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds to fulfill requirements for orthopedic implant technology between mechanical performance and biological compatibility.