Dataset for characterization of fracture and elastic properties of commercially available polyurethane foam and short fiber filled epoxy for bone models

In the field of orthopedic biomechanics, synthetic bone surrogates are essential for evaluating surgical techniques, implant stability, and fracture risks due to their reproducible geometry and consistent mechanical behavior compared to human cadaveric tissue. Fourth-generation (4th Gen) Sawbones(R) composite models, which utilize a short fiber-filled epoxy (SFFE) cortical shell and a polyurethane foam (PUF) cancellous core, represent the industry standard. However, a significant gap remains in the literature regarding the full anisotropic characterization of these individual constituents, which is critical for high-fidelity numerical simulations. This study presents a comprehensive experimental dataset covering uniaxial tension (ASTM D638), compression (ASTM D695), and fracture toughness (ASTM E399) tests, alongside specialized shear characterization using a modified Single Cube Apparatus (SCA). The dataset includes 93 successful mechanical tests: 56 for the SFFE cortical surrogate and 37 for the PUF cancellous surrogate. The results validate the transverse isotropy of the SFFE and the isotropic behavior of the PUF. These findings provide the required mechanical properties for accurate finite element studies, facilitating the rigorous validation of synthetic bone surrogates as representations of biological human tissue.