The present invention provides a geometric/material computer model of
hierarchical bone based upon the viscoelastic properties of longitudinal
and alternate osteons. The viscoelastic properties of osteons include,
for example, mechanical properties and osteon content of various
components such as collagen, mucopolysacharides, hydroxyapatite,
osteocytes and osteoblasts. The invention also provides a method for
preparing such a model.