Study on fracture behavior of molars based on three‐dimensional high‐precision computerized tomography scanning and numerical simulation

• Published in: International journal for numerical methods in biomedical engineering Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. e3561 - n/a
• Main Authors: Feng, Xianhui, Kou, Wen, Liu, Hongyuan, Gong, Bin, Tang, Chun'an
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.03.2022; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: 3D numerical simulation; Computed tomography; Crack initiation; Crack propagation; CT scanning; Digital imaging; Failure analysis; Fracture surfaces; Heterogeneity; Homogeneity; Image processing; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties; mesoscopic structures; Microcracks; Molars; Scanning; Simulation; Teeth; Tomography; tooth fracture; 3D numerical simulation; CT scanning; tooth fracture; crack propagation; mesoscopic structures
• ISSN: 2040-7939; 2040-7947; 2040-7947
• DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3561

A series of three‐dimensional (3D) numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the gradual failure process of molars in this study. The real morphology and internal mesoscopic structure of a whole tooth are implemented into the numerical simulations through computerized tomography scanning, digital image processing, and 3D matrix mapping. The failure process of the whole tooth subject to compressions including crack initiation, crack propagation, and final failure pattern is reproduced using 3D realistic failure process analysis (RFPA3D) method. It is concluded that a series of microcracks are gradually initiated, nucleated, and subsequently interconnect to form macroscopic cracks when the teeth are under over‐compressions. The propagation of the macroscopic cracks results in the formation of fracture surfaces and penetrating cracks, which are essential signs and manifestations of the tooth failure. Moreover, the simulations reveal that, the material heterogeneity is a critical factor that affects the mechanical properties and fracture modes of the teeth, which vary from crown fractures to crown‐root fractures and root fractures depending on different homogeneity indices. In this study, a novel method for establishing a numerical model of the microstructure of a real tooth using computerized tomography images, and we attempt to use this method to explore the fracture mechanism of a tooth and its application in the field of dental engineering. The numerical simulations reveal that, for the teeth or teeth rehabilitation materials such as ceramics, the material heterogeneity is a critical factor that affects the mechanical properties and fracture modes of the teeth, which vary from crown fractures to crown‐root fractures and root fractures depending on different homogeneity indices.