Abstract:

This investigation aims at assessing the fracture resistance of cortical bone via scratch tests. To this end, a macroscopic scratch testing equipment is built in house and used to test bovine humerus specimens soaked in Hanks Salt Balanced Solution at room temperature, considering both the transverse and longitudinal orientations. Fracture Mechanics yields the fracture toughness from the scratch force measurements for different blade widths and penetration depths, whereas the crack propagation mechanisms are investigated using advanced imaging techniques. Given the scalability of scratch tests, this study paves the way towards a multi-scale mechanistic understanding of bone toughness, inspiring the design of biomimetic materials and opening new venues for innovative therapeutic treatments.