Analytical and experimental studies were performed to examine some characteristics of poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement in the context of total hip replacement. Proceeding from fundamental principles of balance of energy and heat conduction, three simulation models of total hip replacement, using the finite-element method of numerical analysis, were used to predict the temperature response in the femoral prosthesis, cement, cancellous bone, and bone-cement interface. When cement collars are a centimeter or less in thickness, the models predict little likelihood of permanent bone thermal necrosis. In addition, laboratory experimental results indicate that peak temperatures attained in Simplex-P and Palacos-R cement specimens are nearly identical and that adding 0.5 and 1.0 g of the antibiotic gentamicin to Palacos-R has negligible influence on peak temperature. Experimental results also indicate that cooling cement specimens to 8 degrees C extends the set time, which in turn could significantly increase the likelihood of stem-cement loosening during surgery.

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SUMMARYThe treatment of ageing processes in polymers by the finite element (FE) method is described. The development of this analytical method is motivated by the need to assess the effects of ageing on the structural performance of polymers and polymeric composites, particularly when the structures are large and expensive to replace. Also, there is a need to assess the effectiveness of corrective action options when ageing problems d o occur, which can be treated by this method. The method describes the treatment of multiple, reactive chemical species in multi-layered polymeric materials by the finite element method. Example problems featuring the simultaneous diffusion and chemical reaction are illustrated: a simple problem of binary diffusion and reaction with comparison of numerical to exact results, and the staged ageing/structural analysis of a solid rocket motor.

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