How relevant is non-locality in continuum bone remodelling? A micromorphic approach for bone density adaption

In the classical theory of continuum bone remodelling, bone is modelled as continuous matter on the macroscopic scale. However, since bone has a distinct microstructure that may lead to size-dependent effects, we present a non-local approach with a micromorphic formulation. Using a benchmark cube, a rod-shaped bone sample and a 3D femur, we compared the novel approach with the classical local one and investigated the influence of the size of the microcontinuum and the coupling between macro and micro deformation.