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ASTM F1800 Knee Tibial tray Fatigue testing

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ASTM F1800 Cyclic Fatigue Testing of Metal Tibial Tray Components of Total Knee Joint Replacements, covers a procedure for the fatigue testing of metallic tibial trays used in knee joint replacements using a cyclic, constant-amplitude force. It applies to tibial trays that cover both the medial and lateral plateaus of the tibia. This practice may require modifications to accommodate other tibial tray designs.


Applicable to tibial braces covering both the inner and outer sides of the tibia. 

Cantilever loading, 

with a frequency not exceeding 10Hz, 

R=0.1, 

for a period of 5 million cycles or until specimen failure in fatigue testing.

ASTM F1800 Knee Tibial tray Fatigue testing

Related Standards

  • ASTM F2083: General specification for knee replacement prostheses

  • ISO 14879-1: Alternative standard for tibial tray fatigue testing

  • ASTM F3210: Fatigue testing of femoral components under closing conditions


UnitedTest UTDS series electromagnetic equipment provides precise sine wave load control, offering comprehensive testing tooling to meet the experimental condition requirements in the standards, as well as accurate and effective experimental plans (SOP), helping in the mechanical performance analysis of tibial braces. 


Core Purpose:

  • Evaluate durability of tibial trays under cyclic loading conditions.

  • Simulate worst-case scenarios where one condyle is unsupported (mimicking high flexion activities).

  • Provide a standardized benchmark for comparing different implant designs.

  • Support regulatory submissions by documenting mechanical performance.

Scope:

  • Applies specifically to metallic tibial trays that cover both medial and lateral plateaus of the tibia.

  • Designed for fixed-bearing knee systems (modifications may be needed for other designs).

  • Focuses on fatigue testing using cyclic, constant-amplitude force.


Test Method and Fixtures

Cyclic Loading Parameters:


ParameterValueRationale
Load TypeSinusoidal or smooth non-sinusoidal waveformSimulates natural joint loading
Peak Load (Pmax)Typically 900 N (manufacturer-specified)Represents 2-3 times body weight
Load Ratio (R)0.1 (Pmin = 10% of Pmax)Maintains compressive baseline
Frequency0.5-10 Hz (cycles/sec)Mimics normal activity levels
Test Duration10 million cycles or until failureEquivalent to 1-2 years of moderate use


Test Sequence

  1. Initial Preparation:
    • Mount tibial tray as cantilever beam with one condyle unsupported

    • Align tray so that anteroposterior centerline matches fixture centerline

  2. Load Application:
    • Apply cyclic load with specified parameters

    • Maintain load accuracy within ±2% of specified values

    • Use spherical indenter with UHMWPE spacer (13mm diameter, 6mm thickness)

  3. Monitoring:
    • Inspect visually every 5×10⁴ cycles without removing from machine

    • Check for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear

    • Replace spacer if thickness reduces to <3mm or if damaged

  4. Termination Criteria:
    • Specimen fractures

    • Visible cracks develop

    • 10 million cycles completed without failure

    • Machine can't maintain required load tolerance.

Fixtures and Test Apparature

Fixture ElementFunctionDesign Requirements
Tibial HolderFixes tray as cantilever beam.Prevents abnormal stress concentrations
Load ApplicatorDelivers cyclic force.Self-aligning to prevent bending moments
SpacerDistributes load, prevents fretting.UHMWPE or acetal copolymer, spherical recess
Measurement System.Tracks displacement, strain.Non-contact preferred (e.g., laser sensors)

Success/Failure Criteria

The test passes if:
  • No catastrophic failure (fracture) occurs before 10 million cycles

  • No visible cracks develop during testing

  • Deformation remains within manufacturer-specified limits


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