Analysis of the microstructure of bone affected by Galactic Cosmic Radiation

Abstract

With NASA aiming for human exploration missions to deep space and Mars, the dangers of radiation exposure become ever more concerning. Outside of Earth’s atmosphere, astronauts are no longer shielded by Earth’s atmosphere. Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) has the ability to remove electrons from atoms and change the chemical composition and characteristics of a substance. Thus, exposure to GCR can alter the composition of bone. Long-duration missions increase the exposure to the body and bones can absorb the dosage. This increases fracture risk as seen in the ribs having a 1.8%-19% increased fracture risk and hips having a range of 65%-214% increases when treated by radiation therapy for specific cancers. Understanding the effects of GCR on the microstructure of bone is crucial to ensuring mission success. In this study Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will be used to determine the correlation between GCR and bone strength.