Journals / Erciyes Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Fen Bilimleri Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 42 Sayı: 2

Numerical Investigation of Frictional Locking Mechanisms and Load Sharing in Pedicle Screw-Rod Assemblies Under Flexion: A Mechanically Consistent Finite Element Analysis

Fleksiyon Altında Pedikül Vida-Rod Sabitlemelerinde Sürtünme Kilitleme Mekanizmalarının ve Yük Paylaşımının Sayısal İncelenmesi: Mekanik Olarak Tutarlı Sonlu Eleman Analizi

Mustafa Özkaya(KTO KARATAY ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-3916-1261
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-07-28
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Consequently, this research provides a robust and numerically consistent framework for evaluating the biomechanical performance of spinal implant designs.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study investigates the biomechanical stability and load-sharing mechanics of a pedicle screw-rod assembly under flexion using non-linear finite element analysis.
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Key Findings & Data:First, a preload state equivalent to a 10 Nm tightening torque was approximated via an interference fit method using a non-linear Ti6Al4V model, and interface behavior was assessed through power screw theory and literature.
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Conclusion & Impact:Consequently, this research provides a robust and numerically consistent framework for evaluating the biomechanical performance of spinal implant designs.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Pedikül Vida · Sonlu Elemanlar Analizi · Omurga Sabitlemesi

Abstract

This study investigates the biomechanical stability and load-sharing mechanics of a pedicle screw-rod assembly under flexion using non-linear finite element analysis. A two-step analysis methodology was employed. First, a preload state equivalent to a 10 Nm tightening torque was approximated via an interference fit method using a non-linear Ti6Al4V model, and interface behavior was assessed through power screw theory and literature. Second, the developed model, which demonstrated mechanical consistency with experimental literature, was subjected to flexion loads utilizing non-linear material properties and contacts. Model 2.2 predicted a maximum moment capacity of 22.08 Nm, showing strong agreement with literature. Exceeding the maximum flexion force of 869.5 N triggered a significant internal load shift, where axial force on the screw head decreased while the reaction force on the tulip saddles nearly doubled, initiating macro-slip. Maximum von-Mises stresses exceeding the material's yield strength indicated localized yielding, facilitating a secure mechanical interlock. The model successfully captures the transition from static frictional locking to kinematic instability. By confirming the model's reliability through a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of solver parameters, this study demonstrates that the intrinsic frictional locking capacity, rather than solely geometry, is the primary determinant of system stability. Consequently, this research provides a robust and numerically consistent framework for evaluating the biomechanical performance of spinal implant designs.

Özet

Bu çalışma, doğrusal olmayan sonlu elemanlar analizi kullanılarak fleksiyon altındaki bir pedikül vida-rod sisteminin biyomekanik stabilitesini ve yük paylaşım mekaniklerini araştırmaktadır. Öncelikle, 10 Nm'lik sıkma torkuna eşdeğer ön yük durumu, arayüzde deplasman kontrollü geçme durumu ile doğrusal olmayan Ti6Al4V modeli kullanılarak tahmin edilmiş, arayüz davranışı güç vidası teorisi ve literatür aracılığıyla değerlendirilmiştir. Ardından, deneysel verilerle mekanik tutarlılığı gösterilmiş olan model, doğrusal olmayan malzeme özellikleri ve temas koşulları kullanılarak fleksiyon yüklerine tabi tutulmuştur. Model 2.2, literatürdeki temel verilerle güçlü bir uyum sergileyerek 22,08 Nm’lik bir maksimum moment kapasitesi sağlamıştır. 869,5 N’luk en yüksek fleksiyon kuvvetinin aşılması, önemli bir iç yük kaymasını tetiklemiş ve vida başı üzerindeki eksenel kuvvet azalırken, tulip üzerindeki reaksiyon kuvveti neredeyse iki katına çıkarak makro kaymayı başlatmıştır. Malzemenin akma dayanımını aşan von-Mises gerilmeleri, bölgesel akmanın gerçekleştiğini ve güvenli bir mekanik kenetlenmeyi göstermiştir. Model, statik sürtünmeli kilitlenmeden kinematik kararsızlığa geçişi başarıyla yakalamaktadır. Çözücü parametreleri üzerinde yapılan kapsamlı bir duyarlılık analizi ile modelin güvenilirliği teyit edilerek, bu çalışmada sistem stabilitesini belirleyen temel faktörün yalnızca geometri değil, montajın sürtünmeli kilitlenme kapasitesi olduğu gösterilmiştir. Sonuç olarak bu araştırma, spinal implant tasarımlarının biyomekanik performansını değerlendirmek için sağlam ve sayısal açıdan tutarlı bir çerçeve sunmaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Özkaya, M. (2026). Numerical Investigation of Frictional Locking Mechanisms and Load Sharing in Pedicle Screw-Rod Assemblies Under Flexion: A Mechanically Consistent Finite Element Analysis. Erciyes Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, Cilt: 42 Sayı: 2. https://doi.org/10.65520/erciyesfen.1915051

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