Abstract
This paper outlines of the fracture behaviour of discs made of alumina and zircon orthopedic bioceramics under diametrical compression loading. The finite element method is used to analyze the stress distribution on acetabulum cup of a total hip prosthesis. The elements dimensioning optimization of a bioceramic total hip prosthesis is essential in order to reduce the stress concentration fields. The most loaded area in induced tensile stress causing the fracture is determined. Some results on the evolution of the stress concentration factor and the stress intensity factor of the bifurcated cracks propagating under compression loading in Brazilian discs in mixed mode have been obtained.