Although electromechanical properties of dry and partially hydrated bone have been measured by several investigators, little information is available on the dynamic piezoelectric behavior of wet bone. In this study, we plan to measure the complex piezoelectric coefficients (d'ij and d""""""""ij) of fully wet compact bone. In the second year, similar properties of cancellous bone will also be measured. The frequency dependance of the piezoelectric characteristics will be evaluated for a wide frequency range (up to 100 KHz). The relationship between the electromechanical behavior of bone with it - microstructure and mineral content will also be explored. During the third year, we will attempt to develop a technique to measure the electromechanical properties of small bone biopsy specimens. It is expected that our results will be helpful in: 1) understanding the mechanisms of the strain generated potentials in bone, 2) mathematical modeling of the electromechanical behavior of bone, 3) development of new diagnostic devices, and 4) in characterizing differences in the electromechanical properties of normal diseased bone samples.
