Finite element analyses of retention of removable partial denture circumferential clasps manufactured by selective laser melting / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the retentions of different designs of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr), pure titanium (CP Ti), and titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) removable partial denture (RPD) circumferential clasps manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) and to analyze the stress distribution of these clasps during the removal from abutment teeth.@*METHODS@#Clasps with clasp arm size A (1.9 mm width/1.1 mm thickness at the body and 0.8-taper) or B (1.2 times A) and 0.25 mm or 0.50 mm undercut engagement were modeled on a prepared first premolar die, named as designs A1, A2, A3, and A4, respectively. The density and elastic modulus of SLM-built Co-Cr, CP Ti, and Ti-6Al-4V were measured and given to different groups of clasps. The density, elastic modulus, and Poisson ' s ratio of enamel were given to the die. The control group was the cast Co-Cr clasp with design A1, to which the density and elastic modulus of cast Co-Cr alloy were given. The Poisson's ratio of all metals was 0.33. The initial 5 N dislodging force was applied, and the maximum displacement of the clasp along the insertion path was computed. The load was reapplied with an increment of 5 N than in the last simulation until the clasp was completely dislodged. The retentive force range of different groups of clasps was obtained. The retentive forces of the SLM-built Co-Cr, CP Ti, and Ti-6Al-4V clasps with equivalent computed retentive force range to the control group were validated through the insertion/removal experiment. The von Mises stress distributions of these three groups of SLM-built clasps under 15 N loads were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#SLM-built Co-Cr, CP Ti, and Ti-6Al-4V clasps with designs B1 or B2, and Co-Cr clasps with design A2 had higher retentive forces than those of the control group. SLM-built CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V clasps with design A1 had lower retentive forces than those of the control group. SLM-built Co-Cr clasp with design A1 and SLM-built CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V clasps with design A2 had equivalent retentive forces to those of the control group. The insertion/removal experiment showed that the measured retentive forces of these three groups of SLM-built clasps were (21.57±5.41) N, (19.75±4.47) N, and (19.32±2.04) N, respectively. No statistically significant measured retentive force difference was found among these three groups of SLM-built clasps (P>0.05). The maximum von Mises stress of these three groups of SLM-built clasps exceeded their responding yield strength except for the Ti-6Al-4V one.@*CONCLUSION@#SLM-built Co-Cr circumferential clasps had higher retention than CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V ones with the same clasp arm size and undercut engagement. The retention of SLM-built circumferential clasps could be adjusted by changing the undercut engagement and clasp arm size. If SLM-built circumferential clasps are used in clinical practice, the Ti-6Al-4V clasp with clasp arm size A and 0.50 mm undercut engagement is recommended considering the long-term use of RPD in the patient's mouth.

Failure probability, stress distribution and fracture analysis of experimental screw for micro conical abutment

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the failure probability of two types of abutment screws after compressive load and to analyze the stress distribution with finite element method. Sixty (60) single-tooth implant restorations were assembled on titanium implants (e-fix, A.S. Technology - Titanium Fix). The groups were divided into Conventional screw (Screw neck 1.5 ø mm) and Experimental screw (Screw neck constricted with 1.2 ø mm). Specimens were subjected to single load to failure with compressive test according ISO 14801. The fractured specimens were subjected to stereomicroscopy for measurement of remaining screws inside the implant and characterization of fracture origin. Representative specimens were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy. For finite element method (FEM), an identical 3D model of the two in vitro test groups were used with similar conditions (30º, 100 N load). The stress in the abutment screw was analyzed by von-Mises criteria. The results of strength means were 4132.5 ± 76 MPa and 4528.2 ± 127.2 for conventional and experimental groups, respectively. During microscopy, the mean (mm) of the remaining screw piece inside the implants were 0.97 ± 0.23 and 1.32 ± 0.12 for conventional and experimental groups, respectively. In FEM, the conventional group showed stress concentered in an unfavorable region (peak of 39.23 MPa), while the experimental group showed more stress areas but less concentration than the conventional group (36.6 MPa). In using the tested experimental geometry, the abutment screw can have its strength improved, and the origin of failure can be more favorable to clinical resolution.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a probabilidade de falha de dois tipos de parafusos para pilar protético após a compressão e analisar a distribuição da tensão com o método dos elementos finitos. Sessenta (60) restaurações unitárias foram montadas em implantes de titânio (e-fix, A.S. Technology - Titanium Fix). Os grupos foram divididos em parafusos convencionais (parafuso de pescoço 1,5 ø mm) e parafuso experimental (parafuso de pescoço estreitado com 1,2 ø mm). As amostras foram sujeitas ao teste de compressão de acordo com ISO 14801. Os espécimes fraturados foram submetidos a estereomicroscopia para a mensuração dos parafusos restantes dentro do implante e caracterização da origem da fratura. Os espécimes representativos foram analisados ​​por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Para o método de elementos finitos (FEM), utilizou-se um modelo 3D idêntico dos dois grupos de teste in vitro com condições semelhantes (30º, 100 N). A tensão no parafuso do pilar foi analisada pelo critério de von-Mises. Os resultados de resistência a compressão foram 4132,5 ± 76 MPa e 4528,2 ± 127,2 para grupos convencionais e experimentais, respectivamente. Durante a microscopia, a média do remanescente do parafuso restante dentro dos implantes foi de 0,97 ± 0,23 e 1,32 ± 0,12 mm para os grupos convencionais e experimentais, respectivamente. Em FEM, o grupo convencional mostrou tensão concentrada em uma região desfavorável (pico de 39,23 MPa), enquanto o grupo experimental apresentou mais áreas de tensão, porém menor concentração do que o grupo convencional (36,6 MPa). Ao usar a geometria experimental testada, o parafuso do pilar pode ter sua resistência melhorada e a origem da falha pode ser mais favorável à resolução clínica.

Influence of anterior load and restorative procedure on maxillary incisors with different cervical wear morphologies / Influência do procedimento restaurador e de contato anterior em incisivos superiores com diferentes morfologias de desgaste cervical

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different anterior load type and restorative procedure on stress distribution of maxillary incisors with different noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) morphologies. Three-dimensional models of a maxillary incisor were generated. Beyond the sound model (SO), five NCCLs morphologies were simulated: shallow (SH), notched (NO), concave (CO), wedge-haped (WS) and irregular with dual center (IR' and IR"). Composite resin restoration of all the models was simulated (R). Two different anterior loads were applied: 100N on palatine middle third (ML) and 500 N on palatine incisal third (IL). The data were obtained in MPa using the Maximum Principal Stress and Von Mises criteria and the statistical analysis was performed (paired t-test with 95% confidence level). The IL provided higher compressive stress than ML, mainly on WS (-136.3MPa), IR" (-117.5) and NO (-71.1 MPa). The highest tensile stress found within the restored models was on NOR with IL (19,1 MPa). The Von Mises results showed higher stress concentration on non-restored and IL models (p<0.001). The anterior load type and restorative status were determinant factors on stress distribution pattern changes, whereas NCCLs morphologies had little influence in maxillary incisors.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes tipos de contatos anteriores e procedimentos restauradores na distribuição de tensões de incisivos superiores com diferentes morfologias de lesões cervicais não-cariosas (NCCLs). Modelos tridimensionais de um incisivo central superior foram gerados. Além do modelo hígido (SO), foram simuladas cinco morfologias de NCCLs: rasas (SH), entalhadas (NO), côncavas (CO), em forma de cunha (WS) e irregulares com centro duplo (IR' e IR''). Restauração com resina composta em todos os modelos foi simulada (R). Dois contatos anteriores diferentes foram aplicadas: 100N no terço médio palatino (ML) e 500N no terço incisal palatino (IL). Os dados foram obtidos em MPa utilizando os critérios de Tensão Máxima Principal e de Von Mises e a análise estatística foi realizada (teste t pareado com nível de significância de 95%). A IL proporcionou maior estresse compressivo que ML, principalmente em WS (-136,3MPa), IR "(-117,5) e NO (-71,1 MPa). A maior tensão de tração encontrada nos modelos restaurados foi na NOR com IL (19,1 MPa). Os resultados de Von Mises mostraram maior concentração de estresse nos modelos não restaurados e IL (p <0,001). O tipo de contato anterior e a presença de restauração foram fatores determinantes nas alterações do padrão de distribuição de estresse, enquanto as morfologias dos NCCLs tiveram pouca influência nos incisivos superiores.

Biomechanical effect of inclined implants in fixed prosthesis: strain and stress analysis / Efeito biomecânico de implantes inclinados em prótese fixa: analise das tensões e deformações

Introduction: Implant inclinations can be corrected using mini abutments at different angulations. Objective: To analyze the influence of external hexagon implants in different inclinations (3 levels) on the microstrain distribution generated around three implants. Method: A geometric bone model was created through Rhinoceros CAD software (version 5.0 SR8, Mcneel North America, Seattle, WA, USA). Three implants (4.1 × 13 mm) were modeled and inserted inside the substrate at three different inclinations: 0º, 17º and 30º. Next, all groups received mini conical abutments, fixation screws and a simplified prosthesis. The final geometry was exported in STEP format to analysis software and all materials were considered homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic. An axial load (300N) was applied on the center of the prosthesis. An in vitro study was conducted with same conditions and groups for validating the tridimentional model. Result: Stress was concentrated on the external area of the implants, in contact with the cortical bone and external hexagon. For the bone simulator, the strain increased in the peri-implant region according to the increase in the implant's inclination. The difference between groups was significant (p = 0.000). The 30º group presented higher stress and strain concentration. Conclusion: The microstrain and stress increase around implants directly proportional to the increase of the installation angle.

Introdução: A inclinação dos implantes pode ser corrigida através de mini-pilares de diferentes angulações. Objetivo: Analisar a influência de implantes com hexágono externo em diferentes inclinações (3 níveis) na distribuição de microdeformações geradas em torno de três implantes. Método: Um modelo geométrico de osso foi criado através do software CAD Rhinoceros (versão 5.0 SR8, Mcneel North America, Seattle, WA, EUA). Três implantes (4,1 × 13 mm) foram modelados e inseridos no interior do substrato em três diferentes inclinações: 0º, 17º e 30º. Em seguida, todos os grupos receberam mini-pilares cônicos, parafusos de fixação e prótese simplificada. A geometria final foi exportada em formato STEP para software de análise e todos os materiais foram considerados homogêneos, isotrópicos e linearmente elásticos. Uma carga axial (300N) foi aplicada no centro da prótese. Um estudo in vitro foi conduzido com as mesmas condições e grupos para validar o modelo tridimensional. Resultado: A concentração de tensão ocorreu na área externa dos implantes, em contato com o osso cortical e o hexágono externo. Para o simulador ósseo, a deformação aumentou na região peri-implantar de acordo com o aumento da inclinação do implante. A diferença entre os grupos foi significativa (p = 0.000). O grupo de 30º apresentou maior concentração de tensão e deformação. Conclusão: O aumento da microdeformação e das tensões ao redor dos implantes aumenta diretamente proporcional ao aumento do ângulo de instalação.

Evaluación del comportamiento del sistema de ajuste locator asociado con una prótesis parcial removible, análisis de elementos finitos / Evaluation of the behavior system locator associated with a removable partial denture, finite element analysis

Objetivo: El propósito de esta investigación fue evaluar el comportamiento del sistema de ajuste locator asociado con una prótesis parcial removible (PPR) con extensión distal inferior por medio del método de análisis de elementos finitos (MEF). Materiales y Métodos: Se diseñó un modelo clase II Kennedy tridimensional utilizando un Software CAD de Solid Works 2010 (SolidWorks Corp., Concord, MA, USA), y posteriormente se procesó y analizó a través Software ANSYS versión 14. Se modelo un (1) implante Tapered Screw-Vent® (ref. TSVB10 Zimmer Dental-Carlsbad, CA, USA) de 10mm de longitud x 3.7mm de diámetro con una plataforma de 3.5mm, de hexágono interno con su respectivo tornillo de fijación; este se ubicó en el diente 37 como pilar posterior de una PPR, cuyo conector mayor fue una barra lingual colada (aleación cromo cobalto), con base combinada (metal/acrílico), con dientes a reemplazar (37, 36 y 35). Se evaluaron los esfuerzos von Mises en una carga 400N. Este análisis permitió valorar el comportamiento de las diferentes estructuras protésicas modeladas y los efectos generados en las interfases hueso-implante. Resultados: Se observaron diferencias entre los valores von Mises en todas las estructuras y ante las cargas no hubo deformaciones permanentes en ninguna de ellas. Estructuras como el hueso mostraron microdeformaciones en valores normales. Conclusiones: El comportamiento de la conexión PPR-implante, mostró una distribución de esfuerzos favorable al utilizar una PPR, sometiéndola a carga en dirección vertical.

Aim: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the behavior of the system locator settings associated with distal extension removable partial denture lower (PPR) by finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: A Class II Kennedy 3D model using a CAD software Solid Works 2010 (SolidWorks Corp., Concord, MA, USA), and subsequently processed and analyzed by ANSYS Software version Model 14. One (1) was designed implant Tapered Screw -Vent® (ref TSVB10 Zimmer Dental-Carlsbad,CA,USA.) length x 10mm diameter 3.7mm with a 3.5mm platform, internal hexagon with its respective screw fixation; this was located at the tooth 37 as a rear pillar of a PPR, whose major connector was a lingual bar casting (alloy cobalt chromium), based combined (metal/ acrylic) with teeth to replace (37, 36 and 35). Efforts were evaluated von Mises in a 400N load. This analysis allowed assessing the performance of various prosthetic structures modeled and generated effects on bone-implant interface. Results: Differences between the values von Mises in all structures and loads were observed before there was no permanent deformation in any of them. Structures such as bone showed in normal values microstrain Conclusions: The behavior of the PPRimplant connection, showed a favorable distribution efforts by using a PPR, subjecting it to load in the vertical direction

Mechanisms of Cervical Spine Disc Injury under Cyclic Loading

STUDY DESIGN: Determination of human cervical spine disc response under cyclic loading. PURPOSE: To explain the potential mechanisms of intervertebral disc injury caused by cyclic loading. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Certain occupational environments in civilian and military populations may affect the cervical spine of individuals by cyclic loading. Research on this mechanism is scarce. METHODS: Here, we developed a finite element model of the human C4–C5 disc. It comprised endplates, five layers of fibers, a nucleus, and an annulus ground substance. The endplates, ground substance, and annular fibers were modeled with elastic, hyperviscoelastic, and hyper-elastic materials, respectively. We subjected the disc to compressive loading (150 N) for 10,000 cycles at frequencies of 2 Hz (low) and 4 Hz (high). We measured disc displacements over the entire loading period. We obtained maximum and minimum principal stress and strain and von Mises stress distributions at both frequencies for all components. Further, we used contours to infer potential mechanisms of internal load transfer within the disc components. RESULTS: The points of the model disc displacement versus the loading cycles were within the experimental corridors for both frequencies. The principal stresses were higher in the ground matrix, maximum stress was higher in the anterior and posterior annular regions, and minimum stress was higher along the superior and inferior peripheries. The maximum principal strains were radially directed, whereas the minimum principal strains were axially/obliquely directed. The stresses in the fibers were greater and concentrated in the posterolateral regions in the innermost layer. CONCLUSIONS: Disc displacement was lower at high frequency, thus exhibiting strain rate stiffening and explaining stress accumulation at superior and interior peripheries. Greater stresses and strains at the boundaries explain disc injuries, such as delamination. The greater development of stresses in the innermost annular fiber layer (migrating toward the posterolateral regions) explains disc prolapse.

Evaluación del Comportamiento de Dos Sistemas de Ajustes Uniendo Diente e Implante Asociados con una Prótesis Parcial Removible con Extensión Distal: Análisis de Elementos Finitos / Evaluation of the Behavior of Two Attachments Systems in the Tooth-Implant Connection Associated With a Distal Extension Removable Partial Denture: Finite Element Analyses

RESUMEN: El propósito de esta investigación fue evaluar la distribución de esfuerzos bajo cargas verticales en la conexión diente-implante utilizando dos sistemas de ajustes, conectados a una protésis parcial removible (PPR) inferior por el método de elementos finitos (MEF). Usando los software CAD Solid Works 2010 y ANSYS versión 14 se diseñó, procesó y analizó el modelo tridimensional de una PPR inferior reemplazando 35, 36 y 37 soportada en mesial por coronas ferulizadas de 33 y 34 y en distal por un implante en posición de 37 (TaperedScrew-Vent® Zimmer). Se evaluaron dos sistemas de ajuste en la conexión diente -implante. Se midieron los valores de los esfuerzos von Mises sometiendo cada corona y diente de acrílico a cargas verticales desde los 200N con incrementos de 100N hasta los 800N, en ambos modelos no se observaron diferencias entre los valores von Mises en todas las estructuras y ante las cargas no hubo deformaciones permanentes. Estructuras como el hueso y el ligamento periodontal no presentaron valores von Mises altos, en ninguno de los modelos. La conexión diente-implante en ambos modelos, mostró una distribución de esfuerzos favorable al utilizar dos sistemas de ajustes asociados a una PPR, sometiéndola a diferentes niveles de carga en dirección vertical.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior and stress distribution in the tooth-implant connection using two attachments systems associated with distal extension removable partial denture by finite element method (FEM). A rigid structure of mandible distal extension RPD was modeled and support by two different attachments, ERA-RV Sterngold® system in the first premolar and Locator, attachments Zest Anchors® on the implant 3.7 x 10 mm Tapered Screw-Vent® Zimmer located at the second molar. Two models were designed, one with a tooth-implant connection using a rigid attachment system in the tooth and resilient attachment on the implant and the other with a resilient system for both structures. The behavior was evaluated with loads of 200 N to 800 N in the vertical direction. No differences were observed in both models in all structures with respect to the values of von Mises and there were not permanents deformations on them. Furthemore, structures as bone and periodontal ligament were not affected in any models. The behavior of the tooth-implant connection in both models showed a favorable stress distribution using two attachments systems associated with RPD, subjecting it to different loads in the vertical direction.

Influence of implantoplasty on stress distribution of exposed implants at different bone insertion levels

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of implantoplasty on different bone insertion levels of exposed implants. A model of the Bone Level Tapered implant (Straumann Institute, Waldenburg, Switzerland) was created through the Rhinoceros software (version 5.0 SR8, McNeel North America, Seattle, WA, USA). The abutment was fixed to the implant through a retention screw and a monolithic crown was modeled over a cementation line. Six models were created with increasing portions of the implant threads exposed: C1 (1 mm), C2 (2 mm), C3 (3 mm), C4 (4 mm), C5 (5 mm) and C6 (6 mm). The models were made in duplicates and one of each pair was used to simulate implantoplasty, by removing the threads (I1, I2, I3, I4, I5 and I6). The final geometry was exported in STEP format to ANSYS (ANSYS 15.0, ANSYS Inc., Houston, USA) and all materials were considered homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic. To assess distribution of stress forces, an axial load (300 N) was applied on the cusp. For the periodontal insert, the strains increased in the peri-implant region according to the size of the exposed portion and independent of the threads' presence. The difference between groups with and without implantoplasty was less than 10%. Critical values were found when the inserted portion was smaller than the exposed portion. In the exposed implants, the stress generated on the implant and retention screw was higher in the models that received implantoplasty. For the bone tissue, exposure of the implant's thread was a damaging factor, independent of implantoplasty. Implantoplasty treatment can be safely used to control peri-implantitis if at least half of the implant is still inserted in bone.

The influence of various core designs on stress distribution in the veneered zirconia crown: a finite element analysis study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate various core designs on stress distribution within zirconia crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element models, representing mandibular molars, comprising a prepared tooth, cement layer, zirconia core, and veneer porcelain were designed by computer software. The shoulder (1 mm in width) variations in core were incremental increases of 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm in proximal and lingual height, and buccal height respectively. To simulate masticatory force, loads of 280 N were applied from three directions (vertical, at a 45degrees angle, and horizontal). To simulate maximum bite force, a load of 700 N was applied vertically to the crowns. Maximum principal stress (MPS) was determined for each model, loading condition, and position. RESULTS: In the maximum bite force simulation test, the MPSs on all crowns observed around the shoulder region and loading points. The compressive stresses were located in the shoulder region of the veneer-zirconia interface and at the occlusal region. In the test simulating masticatory force, the MPS was concentrated around the loading points, and the compressive stresses were located at the 3 mm height lingual shoulder region, when the load was applied horizontally. MPS increased in the shoulder region as the shoulder height increased. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that reinforced shoulder play an essential role in the success of the zirconia restoration, and veneer fracture due to occlusal loading can be prevented by proper core design, such as shoulder.

The relationship between 3D bone architectural parameters and elastic moduli of three orthogonal directions predicted from finite elements analysis / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between 3D bone architectural parameters and direction-related elastic moduli of cancellous bone of mandibular condyle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two micro-pigs (Micro-pig(R), PWG Genetics Korea) were used. Each pig was about 12 months old and weighing around 44 kg. 31 cylindrical bone specimen were obtained from cancellous bone of condyles for 3D analysis and measured by micro-computed tomography. Six parameters were trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), bone specific surface (BS/BV), percent bone volume (BV/TV), structure model index (SMI), degree of anisotropy (DA) and 3-dimensional fractal dimension (3DFD). Elastic moduli of three orthogonal directions (superiorinferior (SI), medial-lateral (ML), andterior-posterior (AP) direction) were calculated through finite element analysis. RESULTS: Elastic modulus of superior-inferior direction was higher than those of other directions. Elastic moduli of 3 orthogonal directions showed different correlation with 3D architectural parameters. Elastic moduli of SI and ML directions showed significant strong to moderate correlation with BV/TV, SMI and 3DFD. CONCLUSION: Elastic modulus of cancellous bone of pig mandibular condyle was highest in the SI direction and it was supposed that the change into plate-like structure of trabeculae was mainly affected by increase of trabeculae of SI and ML directions.

All-ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal fixed partial dentures: a comparative study by 2D finite element analyses

All-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have an esthetic approach for oral rehabilitation. However, metal-ceramic FPDs are best indicated in the posterior area where the follow-up studies found a lower failure rate. This 2D finite element study compared the stress distribution on 3-unit all-ceramic and metal-ceramic FPDs and identified the areas of major risk of failure. Three FPD models were designed: (1) metal-ceramic FPD; (2) All-ceramic FPD with the veneering porcelain on the occlusal and cervical surface of the abutment tooth; (3) All-ceramic FPD with the veneering porcelain only on the occlusal surface. A 100 N load was applied in an area of 0.5 mm² on the working cusps, following these simulations: (1) on the abutment teeth and the pontic; (2) only on the abutment teeth; and (3) only on the pontic. Relative to the maximum stress values found for the physiological load, all-ceramic FPD with only occlusal veneering porcelain produced the lowest stress value (220 MPa), followed by all-ceramic FPD with cervical veneering porcelain (322 MPa) and metal-ceramic FPD (387 MPa). The stress distribution of the load applied on the abutments was significantly better compared to the other two load simulations. The highest principal stress values were low and limited in a small area for the three types of models under this load. When the load was applied on the pontic, the highest stress values appeared on the connector areas between the abutments and pontic. In conclusion, the best stress values and distribution were found for the all-ceramic FPD with the veneering porcelain only on the occlusal surface. However, in under clinical conditions, fatigue conditions and restoration defects must be considered.

Three dimensional finite element analysis of nitinol patellar concentrator in treatment of patellar fracture / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To analyze the design of Nitinol Patellar Concentrator (NT-PC) and its biomechanic characteristics for treating comminuted patellar fractures.Methods:NT-PC and patellar was analyzed by ANSYS software,the finite element was three dimension brick unit with 20 nodes, 8 faces, and the degree of freedom was 6.In NT-PC,10 483 units were divided and the number of nodes was 17 959;In Patellar,8 775 units were divided and the number of nodes was 15 847.The patellar model was loaded according to the 5 converging directions of NT-PC.Results:NT-PC had tension force on its internal face and pressure force in its external face.The maximum value was 195.8 MPa and -18 MPa,which was far from its utmost stress and fatigue limit.The memory converging force of NT-PC was 134 N.The stress (0.8 MPa) was evenly distributed on the patellar surface.Stress calculation of every node indicated that positive stress was the main stress.Conclusion: The design of NT-PC is reasonable and has good reusing character.After fixation, exercise is allowed immediately after operation.The continual positive stress is good for the stability of fracture end and fracture healing.

MECHANICAL MODEL OF HUMAN MANDIBLE / 解剖学报

Two-dimensional finite element stress analyses were employed to study the human mandible. Two models, three teeth loading conditions and three distributions of masticatory muscles are presented. Finite element analyses are compared with photoelastic experiments to indicate correspondence between both results. High stress concentrates in the mandibular angle, condylar region, retromolar area and dental orown.