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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N07271/01
Title: REDUCING ASPERITY CONTACT & MINIMISING POLYETHYLENE WEAR DEBRIS IN ARTIFICIAL HIP JOINT REPLACEMENTS
Principal Investigator: Fisher, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Organisation: University of Leeds
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 30 October 2002 Ends: 31 March 2003 Value (£): 39,506
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biomaterials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The main problem associated with current UHMWPE hip joint replacements is osteolysis and loosening caused by wear and wear debris of polyethylene as a result of asperity contact and mixed lubrication regime. Design, manufacturing and material are clearly important considerations in this tribological process. The aim of this proposal is to investigate the effect of asperity contact and mixed lubrication mechanism on wear and wear debris generation in current UHMWPE hip joint replacements. This will be achieved through a unique approach of combining theoretical modelling of asperity contact and lubrication mechanisms with simulator testing of wear and wear debris generation. Both conventional and cross-linked UHMWPE will be considered. The important design and manufacturing parameters to be investigated include the surface topography of both UHMWPE and counterface bearing surfaces and the radial clearance between the femoral head and the acetabular cup. It is expected that the findings from the research outlined in this proposal will provide additional design and manufacturing guidelines and further optimisation for UHMWPE hip joint replacements, in order to extend the lifetime of the prosthesis.
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Organisation Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk