An Analytical Model of Pauwels’ Functional Adaptation Mechanism in Bone

Abstract

In this paper it is argued and partially demonstrated that the features of Pauwels’ qualitative theory of functional adaptation of bone tissue are expressed mathematically by the cubic approximation to the theory of internal remodeling presented by Cowin and Hegedus. Complete solutions for the steady stress and steady strain situations in the cubic approximation to the theory of internal remodeling are presented. The cubic remodeling rate equation is shown to correspond closely to the remodeling equation suggested by Kummer for the qualitative theory of Pauwels.