Behaviours of boundary lubrication on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

In investigating the wear mechanisms of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for joint, the effects of surface crack were considered in the calculation of the local deformation and stress state. The stress distribution around the crack was analyzed and the influence of lubricant to the crack was studied by the coupling fluid-structure analysis using finite element method (FEM) approach. Results show that the zone around the crack front conforms to linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), and it is helped to understand better the wear mechanisms of hip prosthesis contact.