Equipment for the study of tribological aspects of hip prostheses

Abstract

In this paper we present a theoretical model of friction with sliding in the presence of a lubricant for a complex, multidirectional movement for the biocompatible couple formed by polyethylene of high molecular weight – UHMWPE and titanium alloy Ti6Al4V, which is one of the couples very often used in manufacturing hip and knee prostheses. The model presupposes the existence of a preferential molecular orientation on the main sliding direction, and breaking the molecular bonds of orientation perpendicular to this direction. The model homogenizes the effects corresponding to friction of surfaces that are in contact. A equipment for the study of tribological aspects for hip prostheses has been designed.