Back to results

Virginia Tech

Computational Stress and Deformation Analysis of Mammary Prosthesis

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

A linear and non-linear material model for the breast implants was developed through axial tension testing, while linear and non-linear breast tissue models were assumed based on smooth muscle. These material models were to develop axisymmetric finite element models to determine the stresses in the implant walls under tissue loading. The non-linear material models were used to more accurately model the complex nature of the implant stresses. After analysis it was found that the implants were under compressive loading which meant that local buckling in the implant might be possible. For accurate stress prediction in the implant walls and to fully characterize implant buckling a more accurate non-linear breast tissue material model needs to be developed. Having this material model would allow for a full three-dimensional finite element model can be developed. With the development of a three-dimensional FEA model the implant buckling and implant stresses could be fully characterized. Ultimately allowing for accurate implant stress estimation and fatigue life calculation using the Palmgren-Miner rule, S-N curves, and an external load spectra.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Engineering Science and Mechanics
Department dc:contributor.department
Engineering Science and Mechanics
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2003

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Potter, Tavis L.
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Grant, John Wallace
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Love, Brian J.
  • Dowling, Norman E.

Subjects

dc:subject × 1

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-03292003-113350
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/41795

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Potter, Tavis L.. Computational Stress and Deformation Analysis of Mammary Prosthesis. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/41795