Abstract: Four different structural models of artificial joints were developed and the finite element method (FEM) was employed to investigate their mechanical characteristics under static and dynamic conditions. The materials used in the FEM calculation were ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), 316L stainless steel, CoCrMo alloy and Ti6Al4V alloy. The stress distribution, strain, and elastic deformation under static and dynamic conditions were obtained. Analysis and comparison of the calculation results of different models were conducted. It is shown that with the same parameters the model of a metallic femur head covered with an artificial cartilage layer is more similar to the structure of the natural human joint and its mechanical characteristics are the best of the four models.

Key words: finite element analysis, stress, articular joint