Assessment of the FE model mesh influence on the mechanical properties identified for cranial bone

The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of two FE modelling strategies on the identified mechanical properties of cranial bone samples. Two experimental databases were reproduced numerically using the two mesh types. Experimental tests were four-point and cantilever beam bending loadings carried out on fresh as well as embalmed cranial bone samples. Then, the elasto-plastic properties of four bone samples were identified: Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and yield stress were determined independently using a dichotomy method. Identification results were highly influenced by element type, geometry reconstruction and loading type.