Experimental modal analysis of a synthetic composite femur

Abstract

In this paper we describe the experimental characterization of the modal parameters of a synthetic composite femur model widely used in biomechanical research studies. The objective of the experimental procedure was to identify the natural frequencies and mode shapes of an unconstrained (free-free) femur. The experimental data were compared with the same obtained in an analog study performed with a fresh cadaveric femur bone. Other objective of the study was to investigate modal analysis as a technique to validate a finite element model of a composite femur with isotropic material properties.