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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S62307/02
Title: Mixed Lubrication Mechanism in Metal-on-Metal Artificial Hip Joints Under Transient Conditions
Principal Investigator: Jin, Professor Z
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Organisation: University of Leeds
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 July 2004 Ends: 30 September 2008 Value (£): 185,908
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biomaterials Eng. Dynamics & Tribology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Artificial hip joints with metal-on-metal (MOM) material combinations have been extensively introduced recently to address the problem of wear and wear debris induced osteolysis and loosening. There remain long-term concerns associated with elevated cobalt and chromium ion levels, reducing cell viability and indicating potential for tissue necrosis and other adverse biological effects. It is therefore essential to minimise wear and wear particle generation in MOM hip implants. This requires a better understanding of the mixed lubrication regime experienced in MOM hip implants. The research outlined in the proposal is a first attempt to comprehensively address the mixed lubrication mechanism in MOM hip implants. Both fluid film lubrication and direct asperity contacts will be modelled simultaneously in a mixed lubrication model for MOM hip implants, in particular to consider the change of both the macroscopic geometry and the microscopic surface roughness of the bearing surfaces due to wear and transient walking or simulated conditions. The theoretical model will be validated by comparing with simulator studies of friction and wear, and subsequently used to study the effects of design and manufacturing parameters, and loading and motion patterns on wear of MOM hip implants.
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Organisation Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk