A non-linear model is proposed to characterize the mechanical behaviour of compact bone and has been validated by mechanical tests on bovine femoral compact bone. The model consists of a non-linear spring and a non-linear dashpot in parallel. The method of identifying the viscoelastic parameters in the model is discussed. Impact and quasi-static compressive mechanical tests have shown that the model can be applied to bone to represent its mechanical behaviour at strain rates up to 100 s-1. The directional dependence of the viscoelastic parameters for the bone are determined and discussed. © 1994 Chapman &amp
Hall.