| Bones are difficult to analyze mechanically due to their inherent ability to adapt continually to environmental changes and their nonlinear, heterogeneous, viscoelastic and anisotropic nature. In this experimental study, a non-invasive and non-destructive ultrasound testing technique called Ultrasound Critical Angle Reflectometry (UCR) is introduced for bone material testing. The optimum conditions, technique and experimental set up for UCR along with basic principles and result comparison with different mechanical testing methods are discussed in detail.;During the first stage of the experiments, we conducted UCR on oak wood and composite reinforced composite material samples. Upon verification of the accuracy of the method by comparing the young's modulus with mechanical test values; we proceeded to UCR testing on more complex Trabecular and Cortical bovine bone material. In this report, we discuss the UCR testing procedure for the bone and measurement of young's modulus using the method.;Sample geometry, preparation, preservation guidelines along with different experimental set up prepared to conduct tensile, compression and 4-point bending tests are also documented. Young's modulus values measured mechanically are then compared with ultrasound results and discussed using statistical methods. Finally, conclusions regarding the accuracy of UCR method along with suggestions for improvements are made. |
