Mechanical characterization of materials for dental applications

Abstract

An study of the damage induced in dental materials and model multilayer systems by masticatory contact stresses, simulated by hertzian indentation test, have been performed. In particular, the nature of induced damage has been identified, and quantified from stressstrain curves and critical loads for yielding or crack initiation. For multilayer systems, test have been numerically simulated using finite element techniques (FEM). FEM simulations complement indentation test, allowing to justify the observed fracture modes from calculated stress fields. Practical implications can be derived from our results, relevant to the design of multilayer structures tolerant to contact damage.