Hierarchical Structure in Polymeric Solids and Its Influence on Properties.

Abstract

The intervertebral disc is a biological composite whose hierarchical structure is designed to function in a wide range of physiological loading modes. The intervertebral disc is located in the spinal column between the bony vertebral bodies. Their function is to absorb shock and to permit motion between spinal segments. The disc is composed of two parts: a gelatinous nucleus pulposis containing a network of collagen type II fibers, hydrophillic protoglycan molecules, and up to 88% water and the concentric lamellar walls of the annulus fibrosis which is made up primarily of large fibers of collagen type I. The disc is anchored to the vertebral bodies above and below it by cartilage endplates. Optical microscope techniques are used to characterize the hierarchical structure of the collagenous components of the intervertebral disc. These findings are employed in explaining the mechanical response of the disc in compression.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 15, 1988
Accession Number
ADA194720

Entities

People

  • Eric Baer

Organizations

  • Case Western Reserve University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Emissions
  • Cartilage
  • Composite Materials
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Fibers
  • Flow
  • Glass Fibers
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Microscopes
  • Military Research
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Resins
  • Spine
  • Stress Strain Relations
  • Stresses

Readers

  • Ballistic Missile Meteorology
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Immunology and Pathology