Significance of the interlamellar interfaces in the micromechanics of Haversian bone

Global and local effects of interface structures in the biomechanics of Haversian bone are elucidated by forming experimental based finite element (FE) models of the bone tissue. Geometry of microstructural features in the bone was extracted by polishing and optical microscopy from the surface of each specimen. These measurements were then incorporated into the FE models. It is shown that interfaces are compliant structures and influence the distribution of damage and orientation of the crack in the bone tissue. The role of interfaces as strain amplifiers in the bone is also highlighted.