Bending stress of beam in contact with a flat surface?

[cabellos6]

I am designing a spinal disc with 2 metal endplates. These endplates are rectangular in shape and are fixed to form a flat contact surface with the vertebrae bone surface.

My question is based on the bending stress of these metal endplates. I need to work out the possible thickness of these endplates. I understand how a beam can be modeled with simple supports, cantilever etc but in this case the endplate is flat pressed against a flat surface so contact is over the whole surface area and it is to support a compressive force in the centre of the endplate length L.

Please could anyone offer me suggestions as to how i could calculate this?

 

[Nate810]

One way to calculate the thickness of the endplates would be to use a finite element analysis (FEA) software. FEA is a computer simulation technique which can be used to understand the behavior of a design under different types of loading conditions, including bending and compressive forces. By applying various loads to the model, the stresses on the end plates can be determined, and the thickness of the material can then be adjusted accordingly to ensure that it meets the required strength criteria. Additionally, FEA can also be used to check for any potential failure points in the design, such as defects in the material or weak areas in the joint between the endplates.

 

[Moetasim]

As a scientist, the first step I would take in addressing this question is to gather all the necessary information and data. This would include the dimensions and material properties of the endplates, as well as the expected compressive force and contact surface area.

Next, I would use mathematical equations and principles from mechanics and materials science to analyze the bending stress of the endplates. This could involve calculating the bending moment and stress distribution along the length of the endplate using the applied force, contact area, and material properties.

It is also important to consider the boundary conditions of the endplates, as the fixed contact with the vertebrae bone surface may affect the bending stress. Finite element analysis (FEA) could also be used to simulate and analyze the behavior of the endplates under different loading conditions.

Additionally, I would also consider any potential failure modes, such as buckling or yielding, and ensure that the endplates are designed to withstand these stresses and forces.

In conclusion, the calculation of bending stress in this scenario would require a thorough understanding of mechanics and materials science principles, as well as accurate data and proper analysis techniques. It is important to carefully consider all factors and potential failure modes in order to design endplates that can effectively support the compressive force and maintain their structural integrity.