A numerical model to simulate micro-fracture of field hockey players due to jumping

Abstract

A linear elastic fracture mechanics approach has been considered to understand the impact behavior of ankles and knees due to jumping. By using a crack increment model and a fatigue crack propagation model, simulation of the fracture due to repetitive jumps are evaluated. To aid the numerical calculation, an experimental study on standing jump by two Indian field hockey players on a force plate under standardized conditions were also carried out. The study reveals that 19 jumps are sufficient to cause micro-fracture of bone for a net force of 2879 N. This analysis may further help in understanding of fracture fixation of bone.