A finite element methodology for wear-fatigue analysis for modular hip implants.

Fretting of the stem-head joint in a prosthetic hip implant is investigated experimentally and  computationally. An FE-based methodology for fretting wear-fatigue prediction in a prosthetic hip implant is developed. Tribological and pro #64257;lometry tests are performed for two head stem material combinations: Co28Cr6Mo DMLS Ti6Al4V and Co28Cr6Mo forged Ti6Al4V. The hardness and wear resistance of DMLS Ti6Al4V are shown to be superior to those of forged Ti6Al4V. The signi #64257;cance of wear in a hip joint for 10 years of service in a normal weight person for moderately intense exercise is predicted for both material combinations. Both material combination joints are shown to have excellent wear resistancewhich suggests that the wear debris emission will not be signi #64257;cant.