
56 Computational Modelling of Biomechanics and Biotribology
approximately linear (convergence tests suggest a maximum step size of
500 000 cycles to 1 000 000 cycles (1 Mcycle) (Maxian et al ., 1996b; Knight
et al ., 2007), corresponding to a few months of in vivo use). An entire long-
term simulation of several million cycles may then be completed in just
a handful of iterations. Generally, a sensitivity test will be used, testing
decreasing step sizes to verify that the overall wear rate converges towards
the rate observed under ‘continuous’ conditions. The ow diagram for this
algorithm is illustrated in Fig. 3.13.
Practically