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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

The effect of ventilation tubes on stresses and vibration motion in the tympanic membrane: a finite element analysis.

Finite element analysis is used to determine the mechanical behaviour of structures. The deformation of a structure caused by a force can be calculated, and the stresses and strains within the component can be found. In brief, a geometric representation-a 'drawing'-of the structure is loaded into a computer, and a component is divided into 'elements' which usually have the shape of 'bricks'. A common analogy is a 'lego' brick assembly. The deformation of an element can be determined using engineering formulae, and the deformation of the whole structure can be determined when the elements are re-asssembled. There have been very few analyses of the biomechanical behaviour of ventilation tubes, or grommets, even though clinical studies have indicated that tube design and material determines extrusion rates and may influence tympanosclerosis. This paper reports a comprehensive biomechanical analysis of the effect of a grommet on the tympanic membrane. Analytical and computer simulation techniques (finite element analysis) are used to determine the changes in the vibratory motion and stresses in the membrane when a Reuter-Bobbin ventilation tube is inserted. It is found that the presence of a ventilation tube significantly affects the motion of the membrane in the neighbourhood of the implant. When the effect of implant material is investigated, it is found that the amplitude of motion of a heavier metal implant is less than a lighter polymeric implant. If it is true that higher motion predisposes towards early extrusion, then the lighter implant (polyethylene) is predicted to have a higher extrusion rate. Regarding the maximum stresses in the tympanic membrane, they form a crescent-shaped region in the anterior and posterior quadrants in the regions where tympoansclerosis is observed. The magnitude and pattern of the stress is predicted not to depend significantly on the presence of the tube. This suggests that tympanosclerosis is not determined by the implant per se and therefore that no tube design feature can be expected to prevent it.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed2002

Statistical methods in finite element analysis.

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a commonly used tool within many areas of engineering and can provide useful information in structural analysis of mechanical systems. However, most analyses within the field of biomechanics usually take no account either of the wide variation in material properties and geometry that may occur in natural tissues or manufacturing imperfections in synthetic materials. This paper discusses two different methods of incorporating uncertainty in FE models. The first, Taguchi's robust parameter design, uses orthogonal matrices to determine how to vary the parameters in a series of FE models, and provides information on the sensitivity of a model to input parameters. The second, probabilistic analysis, enables the distribution of a response variable to be determined from the distributions of the input variables. The methods are demonstrated using a simple example of an FE model of a beam that is assigned material properties and geometry over a range similar to an orthopaedic fixation plate. In addition to showing how each method may be used on its own, we also show how computational effort may be minimised by first identifying the most important input variables before determining the effects of imprecision.

Cervical Vertebrae↗
PubMed2002

Technical note: creating a four-dimensional model of the liver using finite element analysis.

Finite element analysis and two liver CT scans were used to construct a four-dimensional (4D) model of the liver during breathing. A linear elastic, small deformation mechanical model was applied to one patient to obtain intermediate organ position and shape between exhale and inhale. Known transformations between anatomically defined subsections of the exhale and inhale liver surfaces were applied as constraints to the exhale CT liver model. Intermediate states were then calculated and time weighted to determine a 4D model of the liver as it deforms during the breathing cycle. This model can be used to calculate a more accurate dose distribution during radiotherapy.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of design parameters of osseointegrated dental implants using finite element analysis.

Finite element analyses were performed for various shapes of dental implant to study effects on stress distribution generated in the surrounding jaw bone and to determine an optimal thread shape for even stress distribution. It was found that the square thread shape filleted with a small radius was more effective on stress distribution than other dental implants used in the analyses. Additional analyses were performed on the implant with the thread shape obtained from previous analyses for varying other design parameters, such as the width of thread end and height of thread for various load directions, to determine the optimal dimensions of the implant. Stress distribution was more effective in the case when the width of thread end and the height of thread were 0.5p and 0.46p, respectively, where p is the screw pitch. Then, using the optimal implant thread dimensions determined previously, stress analyses were performed with various screw pitches and implant lengths, to investigate effects on stress distribution and to find the way to reduce the maximum effective stress generated in the jaw bone. Results show that the maximum effective stress decreased not only as screw pitch decreased gradually but also as implant length increased.

Alveolar Process↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Stress variations in recast Ni-Cr alloy--a finite element analysis.

A finite element analysis was carried out to analyse the stress variations in a mandibular posterior fixed partial denture (FPD), made of recast nickel-chromium alloy. A two dimensional finite element model was developed and then analysed with STAAD III/ISDS program with an occlusal load of 1 kg applied to the casting surface. The analysis revealed that the connectors experienced maximum stresses and the generated stress values decreased within the fixed partial denture made of recast Ni-Cr alloy. It seemed unlikely that FPD inspite of being made of recast alloy might fail before the other tissue components show signs of degeneration thus establishing the potential for recycling the Ni-Cr alloy in actual dental practice.

Bite Force↗
PubMed1990

Effects of friction on the unconfined compressive response of articular cartilage: a finite element analysis.

A finite element analysis is used to study a previously unresolved issue of the effects of platen-specimen friction on the response of the unconfined compression test; effects of platen permeability are also determined. The finite element formulation is based on the linear KLM biphasic model for articular cartilage and other hydrated soft tissues. A Galerkin weighted residual method is applied to both the solid phase and the fluid phase, and the continuity equation for the intrinsically incompressible binary mixture is introduced via a penalty method. The solid phase displacements and fluid phase velocities are interpolated for each element in terms of unknown nodal values, producing a system of first order differential equations which are solved using a standard numerical finite difference technique. An axisymmetric element of quadrilateral cross-section is developed and applied to the mechanical test problem of a cylindrical specimen of soft tissue in unconfined compression. These studies show that interfacial friction plays a major role in the unconfined compression response of articular cartilage specimens with small thickness to diameter ratios.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1997

Stress-related molar responses to the transpalatal arch: a finite element analysis.

The finite element method of analysis (FEM) was used to analyze theoretically the effects of a transpalatal arch (TPA) on periodontal stresses of molars that were subjected to typical retraction forces. The purposes of this investigation were (1) to construct an appropriate finite element model, (2) to subject the model to orthodontic forces and determine resultant stress patterns and displacements with and without the presence of a TPA, and (3) to note any differences in stress patterns and displacements between models with and without a TPA. Because anchorage is stress-dependent, a TPA must be able to modify periodontal stresses as a prerequisite for increasing orthodontic anchorage. A finite element model, consisting of two maxillary first molars, their associated periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone segments, and a TPA, was constructed. The model was subjected to simulated orthodontic forces (2 N per molar) with and without the presence of the TPA. Resultant stress patterns at the root surface, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, as well as displacements with and without a TPA, were calculated. Analysis of the results revealed minute differences of less than 1% of the stress range in stress values with respect to the presence of a TPA. Modification of bone properties to allow for increased displacement levels confirmed the ability of the TPA to control molar rotations; however, no effect on tipping was noted. Results suggested that the presence of a TPA has no effect on molar tipping, decreases molar rotations, and affects periodontal stress magnitudes by less than 1%. The final results suggest an inability of the TPA to modify orthodontic anchorage through modification of periodontal stresses.

Alveolar Process↗
PubMed2001

Thermo-debonding mechanisms in dentin bonding systems using finite element analysis.

The finite element method (FEM) has been extensively used in evaluating the interfacial status of biomaterials. We used FEM to explore the microscopic debonding mechanism of the dentin/hybrid layer/resin adhesive interface. The stress status of the local material was used as an index to judge whether the adhesive interface would develop a debonding mechanism. To generate the local stress concentration, the thermal boundary condition was applied to the model which has the phenomenon of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch. The thermal boundary condition was used to emulute a previous study conducted with a laser thermoacoustic technique (LTAT). The materials, Scotchbond MP, Optibond, and Tenure bonding systems, used in the previous experiment were also tested in this study. The results show that interfacial debonding in the finite element model occurred through the hybrid layer for both the Scotchbond MP and Tenure systems, as well as within the adhesive layer itself for the Optibond system. These findings are compatible with observations by SEM obtained by LTAT. Another transformed model was created to test the "elastic cavity wall" concept. The result also confirms the importance of the elastic cavity wall concept. These compatible results between FEM and LTAT indicate that FEM can be a very useful supplement to thermoacoustic testing.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed1994

Measurement of ventricular volume from blood conductance using two-dimensional finite element analysis.

We used finite element analysis to study the relationship between the intraventricular blood conductance and the right ventricular volume. Previous studies reported a quasi-linear dependence between these two quantities. We quantified the effects of the resistivities of the surrounding tissues (e.g. heart wall, lungs) on this relationship and performed simulations for four different right ventricular longitudinal sectional areas to assess the linearity of the relationship. The relationship was most significantly affected by the blood conductivity. However, the effects of the cardiac muscle and the lungs could not be neglected. The dependence of the intraventricular blood conductance on the ventricular volume was found to be non-linear. Although to some extent inaccurate, a linear approximation of this relationship is useful for the development of rate-responsive implantable cardiac pacemakers, where the pacing rate is adjusted based on the need for cardiac output. The cardiac output is computed from the product of the heart rate and the stroke volume. The stroke volume can be estimated by measuring the changes in the intraventricular blood conductance. The electrodes needed for the stroke volume estimation can be placed on the same catheter as those used for pacing. The use of this method for clinical monitoring or diagnosis has to be investigated further given that its errors in the estimation of the stroke volume are considerably larger than those corresponding to standard methods such as dye- or thermo-dilution.

Blood Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed2002

Finite element analysis in spine research.

Finite element analysis is a widely accepted tool used in many industries and research activities. It allows new designs to be thoroughly 'tested' before a prototype is even manufactured, components and systems which cannot readily be experimented upon to be examined, and 'diagnostic' investigations to be undertaken. Finite element models are already making an important contribution to our understanding of the spine and its components. Models are being used to reveal the biomechanical function of the spine and its behaviour when healthy, diseased or damaged. They are also providing support in the design and application of spinal instrumentation. The spine is a very complex structure, and many of the models are simplified and idealized because of the complexity and uncertainty in the geometry, material properties and boundary conditions of these problems. This type of modelling simplification is not peculiar to spinal modelling problems. Indeed, the idealization is often a strength when there is such uncertainty and variation between one individual and another, allowing cause-effect relationships to be isolated and fully explored, and the inherent variability of experimental tests to be eliminated. This paper reviews the development of finite element analysis in spinal modelling. It shows how modelling provides a wealth of information on our physiological performance, reduces our dependence on animal and cadaveric experiments and is an invaluable complement to clinical studies. It also leads to the conclusion that, as computing power and software capabilities increase, it is quite conceivable that in the future it will be possible to generate patient-specific models that could be used for patient assessment and even pre- and inter-operative planning.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1999

Design optimization and evolution of bonded ceramics for the anterior dentition: a finite-element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Finite-element method was used to explore the stress distribution of incisors restored with porcelain veneers. The design of the incisal palatal finish line was analyzed as a function of incisal overlap and initial tooth substance loss (coronal fractures). METHOD AND MATERIALS: The treatment of intact and fractured incisors was investigated using 8 different designs of porcelain veneer. The palatal finish line varied from butt margins to extended chamfers. The stress distribution was assessed in a 2-dimensional finite-element model, reproducing a buccolingual cross section of an incisor. A palatal 50-N horizontal force was applied to the incisal edge to simulate an extreme functional load. The palatal surface tangential stresses were calculated. RESULTS: Considerable differences were detected in the stresses at the level of the incisal-palatal restoration margin. The margins of restorations with limited incisal overlap (butt margin or minichamfer) showed low tensile stresses or even compressive stresses. Restorations with a long chamfer extending into the palatal concavity were subjected to the highest tensile stresses. In the presence of moderate crown fractures (incisal one third) or severe wear, butt margins limited the palatal extension of ceramic, thus reducing the amount of stress at the restoration interface. In the presence of severe crown fractures (incisal two thirds), the margins (either butt or chamfered) were subjected to low tensile forces when located in the smooth convex area of the cingulum. CONCLUSION: Because of the geometry and natural elastic modulus of mineralized tooth structures, a concentration of tensile stresses is formed at the palatal concavity of teeth restored with porcelain veneers. Long chamfers extending into the palatal concavity are unfavorable because thin extensions of ceramic are generated in an area of maximum tensile stresses. Minichamfers or butt margins are generally recommended, especially in the presence of moderate crown fractures or severe wear.

Compressive Strength↗
PubMed2001

Bone loading pattern around implants in average and atrophic edentulous maxillae: a finite-element analysis.

Introduction: Oral implants placed in the maxilla, especially the posterior region, have a lower success rate than those placed in the mandible. Poor bone quantity and quality have been suggested as a reason for this differential success rate. Objective: The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate stress and strain distributions around loaded implants in the normal and atrophic maxilla by finite-element (FE) analyses. Material: FE models of a solitary implant were generated to determine stresses and strains in the bone adjacent to the implant surface under loading conditions. Study design: Different bony situations and implant lengths were used in a FE model. Static loads were applied axially and the resulting stresses and strains calculated. Results: Bone quality and quantity play a major role in decreasing bone strains adjacent to the implant surface under loading. It was found that stresses were more homogeneously distributed when more spongy bone was present. Decreased bone height was found to have less pronounced effects on strain and stress alterations than poor bone quality. Atrophic bony dimensions in combination with poor bone quality were associated with surface strains exceeding physiological levels (>6000 microstrains). Conclusion: Our investigation indicates that supraphysiological bone strains adjacent to the implant surface should be expected under mechanical loading in the atrophic maxilla. Copyright 2001 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of prosthesis material on stress distribution in bone and implant: a 3-dimensional finite element analysis.

A 3-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to assess stress distribution in bone, implant, and abutment when gold alloy, porcelain, or resin (acrylic or composite) was used for a 3-unit prosthesis. A unit force was applied axially and then buccolingually to the center of the pontic. For gold and porcelain, similar maximum equivalent stress was found in each part of the models. In almost all cases, stress in the model with the resin prostheses was similar to or higher than that in the models with the other 2 prosthesis materials. The highest increase in stress with the resins was found in the implant-abutment unit under axial load. The protective role of resin for the implant-bone interface could not be demonstrated under the conditions of this analysis.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed1994

Finite element analysis of cerebral contusion.

Finite element analysis was carried out to study the mechanism of cerebral contusion. Clinical findings indicate that most cerebral contusions in the absence of skull fracture occur at the frontal and temporal lobes. To explain these observations, cavitation and shear strain theories have long been advocated. Plane strain finite element models of a parasagittal section of the human head were developed in the present study. The model was first validated against a set of experimental results from the literature. Frontal and occipital impacts were then simulated, and pressure and shear stress distributions in the brain were compared. While comparable negative pressures always developed in the contrecoup regions, shear stress distributions remained nearly identical regardless of the impact direction, consistent with the clinically observed pattern for contusion. Therefore, shear strain theory appears to account better for the clinical findings in cerebral contusion.

Acceleration↗
PubMed1987

Comparative study of normal, Crouzon, and Apert craniofacial morphology using finite element scaling analysis.

Finite element scaling analysis is used to study differences in morphology between the craniofacial complex of normal individuals and those affected with the syndromes of Apert and Crouzon. Finite element scaling quantifies the differences in shape and size between forms without reference to any fixed, arbitrary registration point or orientation line and measures the amount of form change required to deform one object into another. Two-dimensional coordinates of landmarks digitized from annual sets of cephalometric radiographs were used in the analysis. A simple tabulation shows no difference in variances between the normal and pathological samples. A test of mean differences depicts the Apert and Crouzon morphologies as significantly different from normal. The Apert palate differs from normal in shape in the older age groups analyzed, and palatal size differences are most common at the posterior nasal spine. The Apert pituitary fossa and basi-occiput are significantly larger than normal. The Crouzon pituitary fossa is also larger than normal, but the difference is not always significant. The typical morphology of the Crouzon nose is due more to differences in shape than size. The Crouzon basi-occiput is significantly smaller than normal. An age association of the differences between the normal and pathological craniofacies was found in Apert syndrome but not in Crouzon syndrome. Apert syndrome is characterized by a more homogeneous pattern of craniofacial dysmorphology from 6 months to 18 years of age than Crouzon syndrome.

Acrocephalosyndactylia↗
PubMed1983

Pre-collapse stress redistributions in femoral head osteonecrosis--a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis is used to explore the influence of several lesion characteristics upon mechanical stress distributions in segmentally necrotic human femoral heads. Variables studied parametrically included apparent modulus deficits within the lesion proper, as well as the depth, width, and location of the infarcted head regions. The detailed patterns of stress redistribution were complex and were found to be a strong function of the specific lesion characteristics. The salient phenomenon, however, was one of preferential load uptake by the stiffer bone surrounding the lesion. Since computed stress reductions within the infarctions were usually much smaller than experimentally observed strength reductions, the data suggest a strong tendency for an elevated incidence of trabecular fatigue fractures in the affected regions.

Adult↗