| Popis: |
This research investigates the phenomenon of hysteresis in cartilage experimentally. The presence of a hysteresis loop in cartilage indicates energy loss, thereby signaling degradation of cartilage leading to osteoarthritis. Although hysteresis in ligaments and tendons has been studied to a great extent, limited work has been done with regards to cartilage response. In the course of this investigation, tensile tests were performed on rectangular bovine cartilage specimens in one orientation. The testing procedure was based upon published ASTM procedures, modified to account for the size of the specimen. The acquired data were analyzed to determine the energy loss per cycle and the implications that result from the energy loss. These findings can lead to the development of a hysteretic model for cartilage, which may be used in a clinical setting to establish a novel method for determining the state of disease of cartilage. |
