An elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model of wear particle migration in an artificial hip joint

A full fluid ball-in-socket elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) analysis of an artificial hip joint made of a metallic femoral head and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cup was considered. Since artificial hips operate in a mixed lubrication mode, wear occurs and wear particles lead to reduced hip lifetimes. This study involves simulating these particles within the lubrication regime. Hip deformation was compared to models employing finite element analysis and the spherical fast-Fourier transform technique. Particle modeling results were compared to suspension modeling experiments by other researchers. Results show a strong influence of lubricant fluid velocity on that of the wear particles.