Effects of numerical parameters used in bone fracture healing simulations

The effects of the numerical parameters used in bone fracture healing simulations are investigated systematically. It was determined that use of a relaxation method to smooth out the transient evolution of the materials properties allows a faster convergence as compared to the averaging method. It was also concluded that stepped application of the external force or displacement leads to non-smooth convergence. The cell diffusion period was tested as a numerical variable. While use of a shorter diffusion period leads to a faster convergence the results were found to be different than the longer diffusion period. It was also shown that the load and displacement cannot be easily interchanged and extensive parametric studies are required to find equivalent external load and displacement values.