Statistical factorial analysis approach for parameter calibration on material nonlinearity of intervertebral disc finite element model

Abstract

In the biomechanics field, material parameters calibration is significant for finite element (FE) model to ensure a legit estimation of biomechanical response. Determining an appropriate combination of calibration factors is challenging as each constitutive component responds differently. This study proposes a statistical factorial analysis approach using L₁₆(4⁵) orthogonal array to evaluate material nonlinearity and applicable calibration factor of the intervertebral disc FE model in pure moment. The calibrated model exhibits improved agreement to the experimental findings for all directions. Appropriate combination of calibration parameter reduces the estimation gap to the experimental findings, ensuring agreeable biomechanical responses.

Keywords:

• Intervertebral disc
• lumbar spine
• finite element analysis
• statistical factorial analysis
• Taguchi method
• parameter calibration