C


Figure 2-4: Finite element model of the beam with the holes. The model confirms the
           distance between the holes is enough for the stress fields from the holes to act
           independently. A and B show the intricate detail of the mesh, with more
           nodes in the proximity of the holes. C and D show the stress fields next to
           the holes. In figure D the arrows point to a close up of the stress fields; evidently, there is no interaction between them (they do not touch each
           other).

                               Machining of Beams

       Beams were machined from the palmer aspect using a combination of rough and precision guided cuts. After proper anatomical identification, a normal band saw was used to make the initial rough cuts on the cannon bones; they were cut 60 mm proximal from the foramen and 80 mm distal from the foramen. The remaining bulks were cut longitudinally, separating the palmer from the dorsal aspects of the bone (Figure 2-5). The finer longitudinal cuts (slabs) were made using a precision diamond blade band saw. The specimens were grinded and polished to the final thickness of approximately 2 mm