3-D global/local analysis of composite hip prostheses – a model for multiscale structural analysis

The need for contextual multiscale analysis in the design of hip prostheses made from composite materials is queried using the 3-D global/3-D local (3-D GL) method. Continuum level solutions at the global structural scale as well as local microstructural level solutions were obtained and compared for an in situ composite hip prosthesis. The comparison yields a set of guidelines for the design of hip prostheses made from laminated fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. As a first step, global continuum level solutions need to be obtained but only after accounting for the nonlinearity of the structure. Secondly, a local microstructural analysis at the ply level is required if issues of relative prosthesis strength are to be examined. While a linear solution may initially be obtained for comparative purposes, accuracy demands that a nonlinear solution be obtained at the local level as well.