Abstract:Objective To evaluate the difference in articular cartilage simulation due to the application of either homogeneous or depth-dependent mechanical parameters. Method The nonlinear, biphasic, porous model of articular cartilage was built using poroelasticity module in COMSOL. Under the static load, the model was computed using homogeneous and depth dependent parameter, respectively. The difference between the results was analyzed. Results For the total stress of cartilage, there was no remarkable difference between two parameter configurations. However, for the analysis such as solid phase stress, fluid pressure and flow velocity, the difference between two parameter configurations must be considered. Conclusions Different parameter configuration has negligible effect on the total stress of cartilage, but it is influential to the flow velocity. Therefore, homogeneous mechanical parameters should be used in order to simplify the total stress computation problem. The other more detailed analysis should be based on the depth dependent parameters. These conclusions could be referred to for future cartilage modeling and numerical computation and thus laying a foundation for the design and computation of artificial joint.