Computational Prediction of Varied Feed Rates in Controlled Cortical Bone Drilling: A Bovine Animal Study

Cortical bone drilling plays a critical role in orthopedic and dental implant surgeries, but it can pose risks of thermal necrosis. However, previous studies have generated conflicting results, necessitating further investigation for a better understanding. This study sought to validate a Finite Element (FE) model through experimental validation and leverage it to predict challenging-to-measure parameters. The impact of initial temperature (IT), feed rates, and point angle on maximum temperature (MT) and maximum thrust force (MTF) was examined in 10-cm bovine cortical samples using a 3.2 mm drill bit diameter. The FE model was validated and developed using the Johnson-Cook (JC) model, exhibiting a reverse correlation between MT and feed rates with a root mean square error (RMSE) value of 4.29 °C, as well as a direct relationship between MTF and feed rates with an RMSE value of 39.8 N. These findings indicated good agreement between FE simulations and experimental data. Predictions were also made by varying IT, point angle, and diameters to assess their influence on MT and MTF. Notably, IT had a significant effect on MTF, with a 35.4% increase for every 20-degree Celsius rise. Moreover, increasing the point angle from 70 to 120 degrees resulted in a 13.1% increase in MT and a 26.9% decrease in MTF. These findings enhance our understanding of the factors involved in the bone drilling process and offer valuable insights for optimizing future surgical procedures.