Abstract
In this study, the finite element method was used to analyse the crack behaviour in the cement of a reconstructed acetabulum by computing the stress intensity factors at the crack tip. Three loading cases were examined (Fig. 6). These cases present the different human body postures. Both positions and orientations of crack effect on the SIF variation were analysed. When valuating the crack position effect, one notices no risk of crack propagation under the load type 1; however, under the load type 2 and the load type 3 this risk is more important. Load type 3 is the most dangerous loading condition. When computing crack orientation, one noted that the risk of crack propagation is higher when the crack inclination is 200 and 100 degrees. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.