Impact of time-dependency on long-term material testing and modeling of polyethylene

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has an important role in orthopaedic implants because of its favorable properties as an articulating surface. UHMWPE component testing often focuses on measuring the long-term fatigue or wear response of the material that could be realized during many years of use. However, the impact of time-dependent properties of UHMWPE on such tests is not well characterized. In particular, altering the frequency of loading and allowing for material creep or relaxation can significantly alter the stress/strain state of the material, and therefore affect long-term mechanical properties (e.g. wear, fatigue) that are dependent on the constitutive state. The goal of this work is to use advanced, validated material modeling of UHMPWE that incorporates time-dependent properties to explore the effects of frequency and rest time on the mechanical response of UHMWPE.