Finite Element Analysis Study Research Articles

Optimized Clavicle Hook Plate Geometry for Average Korean Clavicle–Acromion Dimensions: A Finite Element Analysis Study

Optimized Clavicle Hook Plate Geometry for Average Korean Clavicle–Acromion Dimensions: A Finite Element Analysis Study

Optimizing functionally graded tibial components for total knee replacements: a finite element analysis and multi-objective optimization study

The optimal design of complex engineering systems requires tracing precise mathematical modeling of the system’s behavior as a function of a set of design variables to achieve the desired design. Despite the success of current tibial components of knee implants, the limited lifespan remains the main concern of these complex systems. The mismatch between the properties of engineered biomaterials and those of biological materials leads to inadequate bonding with bone and the stress-shielding effect. Exploiting a functionally graded material for the stem of the tibial component of knee implants is attractive because the properties can be designed to vary in a certain pattern, meeting the desired requirements at different regions of the knee joint system. Therefore, in this study, a Ti6Al4V/Hydroxyapatite functionally graded stem with a laminated structure underwent simulation-based multi-objective design optimization for a tibial component of the knee implant. Employing finite element analysis and response surface methodology, three material design variables (stem’s central diameter, gradient factor, and number of layers) were optimized for seven objective functions related to stress-shielding and micro-motion (including Maximum stress on the cancellous bone, maximum and mean stresses on predefined paths, the standard deviation of mean stress on paths, maximum and mean micro-motions at the bone-implant interface and the standard deviation of mean micro-motion). Then, the optimized functionally graded stem with 6 layers, a central diameter of 5.59 mm, and a gradient factor of 1.31, was compared with a Ti6Al4V stem for various responses. In stress analysis, the optimal stem demonstrated a 1.92% improvement in cancellous bone stress while it had no considerable influence on the maximum, mean, and standard deviation of stresses on paths. In micro-motion analysis, the maximum, mean, and standard deviation of mean micro-motion at the interface were enhanced by 24.31%, 39.53%, and 19.77%, respectively.

Development of a heavy vehicle torque rod applying continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite materials instead of forged steel material: Design, analysis and optimization

The torque rod is an important component of the suspension system that connects the axle to the chassis in heavy commercial vehicles. The main motivation of this study is the development of a torque rod made of (1) plus cross-section, (2) continuous carbon and glass fiber reinforced hybrid thermoplastic composites, which can replace a forged steel torque rod used in heavy vehicles, has superior mechanical properties, provides minimum cost and weight. This study aims to develop a torque rod before its production within the framework of integration with Computer Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). In this study, the design data and the properties of the composite materials were chosen as control factors. The minimum displacement, the best mechanical properties such as tensile stress, compressive stress, torsional shear stress, maximum critical buckling load, and the minimum part weight minimum production cost per piece were selected as quality characteristics. As a result of the FEA study, considering the experimental set of the Taguchi Method L25 orthogonal array, the data on mechanical properties, weight, and production cost per piece were subjected to the MCDM process using the Entropy Weighted TOPSIS method. As a result of the MCDM study, a torque rod made of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite material, instead of a torque rod produced by forged steel, had the highest mechanical properties produced, the weight of the torque rod can be reduced by 64.76%, and the production costs per piece can be reduced by 37.5%. This study’s findings have shown that the torque rod produced from continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials in a new geometry with a plus cross-section can be substituted for the torque rod produced by steel forging. Thus, it will contribute to reducing the fixed vehicle weight, especially in heavy commercial vehicles, reducing CO2 emissions, and increasing the range of the vehicles.

Finite Element Analysis of New Modified Three-dimensional Strut Miniplate versus Conventional Plating in Mandibular Symphysis and Angle Fractures - An In vitro Study

Abstract Introduction: Mandibular fractures are common injuries during maxillofacial trauma, and currently, open reduction and internal fixation are considered gold-standard treatments. There is a wide discussion about which plates give the best outcomes. Hence, we are conducting a biomechanical comparison of two plates for mandibular symphysis and angle fracture with finite element analysis (FEA). The aim of this study was to do a comparative study of FEA between the conventional and our new modified three-dimensional (3D) strut miniplate in mandibular fractures at symphysis and angle regions. Materials and Methods: Finite element models of symphyseal and angle fractures of the mandible were developed. Each fracture model was then realigned and fixed by the conventional method 2.0 mm system, and our modified 3D strut plating method 2.0 mm system followed by the analysis of various stresses developed in plates and mandibular fracture area after application of load was observed in the study. Results: The modified 3D strut plating system with 2.0 mm miniplates is significantly better in preventing displacement of fracture segments by better distribution of forces compared to the conventional plating system. Rest of the parameters were within the permitted limits. Discussion: Modified 3D strut plating method was reasonably effective and superior in managing force-displacement compared to the conventional method of fixation for comminuted and unfavourable mandibular symphyseal fracture and angle fracture.

The finite element analysis study of the impact of single and double lag screw fixation on ankle fractures of different sizes

In clinical practice, the choice of single vs. double screw fixation for posterior malleolus fractures (PMF) is theoretically unclear, particularly concerning the size-stability relationship. This study, employing Finite Element Analysis (FEA), assesses biomechanical stability in PMF of varying sizes under both fixation methods. Utilizing a 3D model based on CT scans, we simulated fractures with 10–50% fragment sizes and applied a 600 N force to mimic the single-leg stance. Our evaluation focused on screw Von Mises stress (VMS) and fracture relative displacement (RD). Results show that stability increases with fragment size for both fixation types. Single screw fixation is comparable to double screw in fragments up to 25%, but in larger fragments, double screw significantly enhances stability. This suggests that for fragments over 25%, double screw fixation is preferable, marking a critical threshold for PMF stability.

Additive Manufacturing of Composite Polymers: Thermomechanical FEA and Experimental Study.

This study presents a comprehensive approach for simulating the additive manufacturing process of semi-crystalline composite polymers using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). By combining thermomechanical Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with experimental validation, our main objective is to comprehend and model the complex behaviors of 50 wt.% carbon fiber-reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide (CF PPS) during FDM printing. The simulations of the FDM process encompass various theoretical aspects, including heat transfer, orthotropic thermal properties, thermal dissipation mechanisms, polymer crystallization, anisotropic viscoelasticity, and material shrinkage. We utilize Abaqus user subroutines such as UMATHT for thermal orthotropic constitutive behavior, UEPACTIVATIONVOL for progressive activation of elements, and ORIENT for material orientation. Mechanical behavior is characterized using a Maxwell model for viscoelastic materials, incorporating a dual non-isothermal crystallization kinetics model within the UMAT subroutine. Our approach is validated by comparing nodal temperature distributions obtained from both the Abaqus built-in AM Modeler and our user subroutines, showing close agreement and demonstrating the effectiveness of our simulation methods. Experimental verification further confirms the accuracy of our simulation techniques. The mechanical analysis investigates residual stresses and distortions, with particular emphasis on the critical transverse in-plane stress component. This study offers valuable insights into accurately simulating thermomechanical behaviors in additive manufacturing of composite polymers.

410 Improving Patient Outcomes through Design of Biodegradable Implants for Long Bone Fractures

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Current long bone fracture standard of care uses inert metal intramedullary nails (IMN), 10x stiffer than femur cortex. Consequent “stress-shielding” bone loss sees >5% of patients needing revision surgery. To improve nonunion healing, we develop automated design optimization methods for biodegradable Mg alloy IMNs to control local reloading. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Finite element analysis (FEA) is performed on 3D bone-IMN representations to establish this study’s baseline strain states for existing inert IMN geometries within QCT-informed femoral models under simulated biomechanical loading. FEA with Mg alloy properties for same IMN designs simulate transient IMN material loss through discrete time-step models with experimental in vivo Mg corrosion rates and strain-based bone density evolution using remodeling algorithms from literature. Transient stability and strength metrics, fracture zone stress profiles under gradual reloading and manufacturing constraints are formulated through gradient-based sensitivity analysis into a topology optimization framework (TOF) incorporating a reaction-diffusion degradation model to generate IMN topologies. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: TOF designs for Mg alloy IMNs with transient allowable strength constraints, using safety factors to prevent IMN failure, demonstrate higher compliance than standard inert IMNs with mechanical properties closer to native cortical bone. The biodegradation model within the TOF, informed by corrosion behavior from bone-IMN FEA study, predicts how potential design evolutions affect transient strain states of the system. Thus, local fracture region stress states are controlled by the algorithm optimizing for desirable transient stiffness profiles based on a minimum variance objective of fracture zone stress compared to a target bone stress profile. Optimized IMNs with porous, high surface area features achieve 50% decrease in IMN stiffness over 6 months recovery time and complete in vivo degradation in 24 months. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Our TOF reduces “stress-shielding” effects via design for controlled IMN biodegradation to gradually increase fracture zone loading, stimulating remodeling and reducing current risk of post-operative fracture and surgical removal in ~15k cases/yr. in the U.S. In vitro mechanical and in vivo clinical testing is required to validate design results.

Stress distribution on teeth restored with veneers using various incisal preparation designs: A 3D finite element analysis study

Statement of problemThe type of veneer preparation is often chosen according to the patient’s tooth structure and occlusion. Taking biomechanics into account in this decision-making process provides the clinician with more technical information on how to improve the clinical longevity of restorations. However, biomechanical analyses of veneer preparation designs are sparse. PurposeThe purpose of this 3-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis with microcomputed tomography (µCT) data obtained from realistic models was to assess the influence of different preparations for ceramic and composite resin veneers on restoration and resin layer stress distribution. Material and methodsFour replicas of a central incisor were printed and prepared for laminate veneers with 4 different incisal edge designs: shoulder (SH), palatal chamfer (PC), palatal chamfer and oblique fracture involving the distal angle (OF-PC), and palatal chamfer involving horizontal incisal fracture (IF-PC). After fabrication and cementation of the veneers, the restored replicas were assessed with µCT, and 3D finite element models were built. A 100-N load was applied on the palatal surface at 60 and 125 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. Maximum principal stress and stress distribution on the veneers, cement layer, and tooth structure were calculated and analyzed. ResultsThe SH preparation exhibited better stress distribution than the PC preparation, and the cement layer and the veneer were subjected to lower stress. The IF-PC preparation had better stress distribution than the OF-PC. The shoulder and IF-PC showed higher stress on laminate veneers, but lower stress on the cement layer. Ceramic veneers exhibited lower stress than composite resin veneers. ConclusionsThe different incisal preparations for laminate veneers influenced stress distribution on restorations and on the resin cement layer. The shoulder type preparation showed better stress distribution and the composite resin veneers showed unfavorable results compared with the ceramic veneers.

A Finite Element Analysis Study of Edentulous Model with Complete Denture to Simulate Masticatory Movement.

The purposes of this study are to establish and validate a finite element (FE) model using finite element analysis methods and to identify optimal loading conditions to simulate masticatory movement. A three-dimensional FE model of the maxillary and mandibular cortical bone, cancellous bone, and gingiva was constructed based on edentulous cone-beam-computed tomography data. Dental computer-aided design software was used to design the denture base and artificial teeth to produce a complete denture. Mesh convergence was performed to derive the optimal mesh size, and validation was conducted through comparison with mechanical test results. The mandible was rotated step-by-step to induce movements similar to actual mastication. Results showed that there was less than a 6% difference between the mechanical test and the alveolar bone-complete denture. It opened 10° as set in the first stage, confirming that the mouth closed 7° in the second stage. Occlusal contact occurred between the upper and lower artificial teeth as the mouth closed the remaining angle of 3° in the third stage while activating the masseter muscle. These results indicate that the FE model and masticatory loading conditions developed in this study can be applied to analyze biomechanical effects according to the wearing of dentures with various design elements applied.

Sagittal support rather than medial cortical support matters in geriatric intertrochanteric fracture: A finite element analysis study

Hip fracture, increasing exponentially with age, is osteoporosis's most severe clinical consequence. Intertrochanteric fracture, one of the main types of hip fracture, is associated with higher mortality and morbidity. The current research hotspots lay in improving the treatment effect and optimizing the secondary stability after intertrochanteric fracture surgery. Cortex buttress reduction is a widely accepted method for treating intertrochanteric fracture by allowing the head-neck fragment to slide and rigidly contact the femoral shaft's cortex. Medial cortical support is considered a more effective option in treating young patients. However, osteo-degenerations features, including bone weakness and cortical thickness thinning, affect the performance of cortex support in geriatric intertrochanteric fracture treatment. Literature focusing on the age-specific difference in cortex performance in the fractured hip is scarce. We hypothesized that this osteo-19 degenerative feature affects the performance of cortex support in treating intertrochanteric fractures between the young and the elderly. We established twenty models for the old and the young with intertrochanteric fractures and performed static and dynamic simulations under one-legged stance and walking cycle conditions. The von Mises stress and displacement on the femur, proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) implant, fracture plane, and the cutting volume of cancellous bone of the femur were compared. It was observed that defects in the anterior and posterior cortical bone walls significantly increase the stress on the PFNA implant, the displacement of the fracture surface, and cause a greater volume of cancellous bone to be resected. We concluded that ensuring the integrity and alignment of the anterior and posterior cortical bones is essential for elderly patients, and sagittal support is recommended. This finding suggests that the treatment method for intertrochanteric fracture may differ, considering the patient's age difference.

Investigation of local soil resistance on suction caissons at capacity in undrained clay under combined loading

Winkler modelling offers a flexible and computationally efficient framework for estimating suction caisson capacity. However, there is a limited understanding of the local soil resistance acting on caissons at capacity under combined six degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) loading, which is essential for accurately estimating caisson failure envelopes. Furthermore, existing simplified design models for caissons cannot assess capacity under non-planar lateral and moment loading, which is common in offshore wind applications. To address these limitations, this paper presents a comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) study, which investigates the local soil resistance acting on the caisson at capacity in undrained clay under combined 6DoF loading. The paper introduces the concept of ‘soil reaction failure envelopes’ to characterise the interactions between soil reactions at capacity. Closed-form formulations are derived to approximate these soil reaction failure envelopes. An elastoplastic Winkler model is then developed, incorporating linear elastic perfectly plastic soil reactions based on these formulations. The results demonstrate that the Winkler model can provide efficient and reasonably accurate estimations of caisson capacity under combined 6DoF loading, even for irregular soil profiles that pose much uncertainty and challenges to existing macro-element models.

Biomechanical evaluation of four different framework designs of cantilever zirconia resin bonded fixed dental prosthesis: A three-dimensional finite element analysis study

: To measure stress and strain concentrations on four different RBFDP designs and its effect on cement layer and the Periodontal tissues using FEA.: Using CBCT data, two 3D models of a maxilla with missing lateral Incisor were printed. Tooth preparation for RBFDP was done. One model had proximal-groove of 4mm and other had 3mm proximal-groove. Four designs of cantilever RBFDPs were designed. Model-1: #21 abutment/ 3x3mm connector; Model-2: #21 abutment/ 3x4mm connector; Model-3: #23 abutment/ 3x3mm connector and; Model-4: #23 abutment/ 3x4mm connector. All Models were converted into FEA models, occlusal force of 200N was loaded at 450 to long axis of pontic and FEA was carried out. Maximum Principal Strain(MPS) in the RBFDP framework, periodontal tissues and Maximum Shear Stress(MSS) in cement layer were measured to evaluate the impact on periodontal tissues and the risk for framework-debonding respectively.: The MPS of framework in decreasing order was: Model-1>Model-2>Model-3>Model-4. The MPS of PDL: Model-1 and Model-2 > Model-3 and Model-4. MSS in cement layer: Model-1 and Model-2 > Model-3 and Model-4. Adhesion area with shear stress >11MPa: Model-1 and Model-2 > Model-3 and Model-4. MPS and MMS values were lower in models with 3×4mm connector than models with 3x3mm connector.: Adequate Connector dimension and adhesion-area are critical for success of RBFDP. Within the limitations of this study, RBFDP design with 3x4mm connector and Maxillary Canine as abutment for replacing Maxillary Lateral Incisor is better option in terms of framework-debonding risk and preservation of periodontal tissues.

Evaluation of stress distributions of calcium silicate-based root canal sealer in bulk or with main core material: A finite element analysis study.

This research aimed to assess the stress distribution in lower premolars that were obturated with BioRoot RCS or AH Plus, with or without gutta percha (GP), and subjected to vertical and oblique forces. One 3D geometric model of a mandibular second premolar was created using SolidWorks software. Eight different scenarios representing different root canal filling techniques, single cone technique with GP and bulk technique with sealer only with occlusal load directions were simulated as follows: Model 1 (BioRoot RCS sealer and GP under vertical load [VL]), Model 2 (BioRoot RCS sealer and GP under oblique load [OL]), Model 3 (AH Plus sealer with GP under VL), Model 4 (AH Plus sealer with GP under OL), Model 5 (BioRoot RCS sealer in bulk under VL), Model 6 (BioRoot RCS in bulk under OL), Model 7 (AH Plus sealer in bulk under VL), and Model 8 (AH Plus sealer in bulk under OL). A static load of 200 N was applied at three occlusal contact points, with a 45° angle from lingual to buccal. The von Mises stresses in root dentin were higher in cases where AH Plus was used compared to BioRoot RCS. Furthermore, shifting the load to an oblique direction resulted in increased stress levels. Replacing GP with sealer material had no effect on the dentin maximum von Mises stress in BioRoot RCS cases. Presence of a core material resulted in lower stress in dentin for AH Plus cases, however, it did not affect the stress levels in dentin for cases filled with BioRoot RCS. Stress distribution in the dentin under oblique direction was higher regardless of sealer or technique used.

A finite element analysis study on different angle correction designs for inclined implants in All-On-Four protocol

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate, through finite element analysis (FEA), the biomechanical behavior of the built-in angle corrected dental implant versus implant with angled multiunit abutment used in All-On-Four treatment protocol.MethodsTwo (3D) finite element models of a simplified edentulous mandible were constructed with two different posterior implant designs based on the All-On-Four protocol. Four implants were placed in each model, the two anterior implants were positioned vertically at the lateral incisor/canine sites. Depending on the implant fixture design in posterior area, there are two models created; Model I; the mandible was rehabilitated with four co-axis (4 mm in diameter × 15 mm in length) implants with distally built-in angle corrected implants (24-degree angle correction) .While Model II, the mandible was rehabilitated with four conventional (4 mm in diameter × 14 mm in length) implants with a distally inclined posterior implants (25 degree) and angled multiunit abutments. CAD software (Solidworks© 2017; Dassault Systems Solidworks Corp) was used to model the desired geometry. Axial and inclined Loads were applied on the two models. A Finite element analysis study was done using an efficient software ANSYS© with specified materials. The resultant equivalent Von-Misses stresses (VMS), maximum principal stresses and deformation analysis were calculated for each part (implants and prosthetic components).ResultsWhen applying axial and non-axial forces, model II (angled multiunit model) showed higher deformation on the level of Ti mesh about 13.286 μm and higher VMS 246.68 MPa than model I (angle corrected implant). Model I exhibited higher maximum stresses 107.83 MPa than Model II 94.988 MPa but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionWithin the limitation of the FEA study, although angle correcting implant design is showing higher values in maximum principle stresses compared with angled multiunit abutments, model deformation and resultant VMS increased with angled multiunit abutments. The angle correcting designs at implant level have more promising results in terms of deformation and VMS distribution than angle correction at abutment level.

Tension band high-strength suture combined with absorbable cannulated screws for treating transverse patellar fractures: finite element analysis and clinical study.

Objective: Few reports exist on the treatment of transverse patellar fractures (TPFs) using absorbable cannulated screws and high-strength sutures, and most screws and sutures lack good biomechanics and clinical trials. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the biomechanical stability and clinical efficacy of tension-band high-strength sutures combined with absorbable cannulated screws (TBSAS) in treating TPFs (AO/OTA 34 C1). Methods: Finite element models of five internal fixation schemes were established: tension-band wire with K-wire (TBW), TBW with cerclage wire (TBWC), TBW with headless pressure screws (TBWHS), TBW with full-thread screws (TBWFS), and TBSAS. We comprehensively compared the biomechanical characteristics of the TBSAS treatment scheme during knee flexion and extension. Forty-one patients with TPFs in our hospital between January 2020 and August 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into the TBSAS (n = 22) and TBWC (n = 19) groups. Clinical and follow-up outcomes, including operative time, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, postoperative complications, Bostman score, and final knee range of motion, were compared between both groups. Results: Finite element analysis (FEA) showed that TBWHS and TBWFS achieved the minimum mean fracture interface relative displacement during knee flexion (45°, 0-500N bending load) and full extension (0°, 0-500N axial load). There was no significant difference between TBSAS (0.136mm) and TBWC (0.146mm) during knee flexion (500N); however, TBSAS displacement was smaller (0.075mm) during full extension (500N). Furthermore, the stress results for the internal fixation and the patella were generally lower when using TBSAS. Retrospective clinical studies showed that the TBSAS group had a shorter operative time, lower VAS pain score at 1 and 2months postoperatively, better Bostman knee function score at 3 and 9months postoperatively, and better final knee joint motion than the TBWC group (all p < 0.05). There were five cases (26.3%) of internal fixation stimulation complications in the TBWC group. Conclusion: TBSAS demonstrated excellent safety and effectiveness in treating TPFs. It is sufficient to meet the needs of TPF fixation and early functional exercise and effectively reduces metal internal fixation-induced complications and secondary surgery-induced trauma.

Importance of the Posterior Plate in Three-Column Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Finite Element Analysis and Clinical Validation.

Dual-plate fixation was thought to be the gold standard for treating complicated bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, yet it was found to be hard to accommodate the posterior column in three-column fractures. Currently, column-specific fixation is becoming more and more recognized, but no comprehensive investigation has been performed to back it up. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate the importance of posterior column fixation in the three-column tibial fractures by a finite element (FE) analysis and clinical study. In FE analysis, three models were developed: the longitudinal triple-plate group (LTPG), the oblique triple-plate group (OTPG), and the dual-plate group (DPG). Three loading scenarios were simulated. The distribution of the displacement and the equivalent von Mises stress (VMS) in each structure was calculated. The comparative measurements including the maximum posterior column collapse (MPCC), the maximum total displacement of the model (MTD), the maximum VMS of cortical posterior column (MPC-VMS), and the maximum VMS located on each group of plates and screws (MPS-VMS). The clinical study evaluated the indicators between the groups with or without the posterior plate, including operation time, blood loss volume, full-weight bearing period, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Scoring system (HSS), Rasmussen score, and common postoperative complications. In the FE analysis, the MPCC, the MPC-VMS, and the MTD were detected in much lower amounts in LTPG and OTPG than in DPG. In comparison with DPG, the LTPG and OTPG had larger MPS-VMS. In the clinical study, 35 cases were included. In the triple-plate (14) and dual-plate (21) groups, the operation took 115.6 min and 100.5 min (p < 0.05), respectively. Blood loss in both groups was 287.0 mL and 206.6 mL (p < 0.05), and the full-weight bearing period was 14.5 weeks and 16.2 weeks (p < 0.05). At the final follow-up, the HSS score was 85.0 in the triple-plate group and 77.5 in the dual-plate (p < 0.05), the Rasmussen score was 24.1 and 21.6 (p < 0.05), there were two cases with reduction loss (9.5%) in the dual-plate group and one case of superficial incision infection found in the triple-plate group. The posterior implant was beneficial in optimizing the biomechanical stability and functional outcomes in the three-column tibial plateau fractures.

Stresses in Premolars Restored Using Different Post-and-Core and Crown Materials: An FEA Study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of three post-and-core systems and two crown materials on stresses in restored premolars using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A maxillary second premolar 3D model was created in SolidWorks 2014 (Dassault Systémés). Severe loss of tooth structure was simulated with six restorative options: 1) glass-fiber-reinforced composite post and composite core (GFRC)+CAD/CAM leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic crown (LRC); 2) carbon-fiberreinforced composite post and composite core (CFRC)+LRC; 3) metal cast post-and-core (MPC)+LRC 4) GFRC+CAD/CAM composite resin crown (CC); 5) CFRC+CC; 6) MPC+CC. Three-point occlusal loading (150N) was simulated and von Misses and maximum principal stresses calculated. Although maximum von Mises stresses in the crown and dentin were similar across groups (137.9-139.2MPa crown; 17.2-19.6 dentin), there were important differences in stress distribution in dentin. Only in MPC+CC group the maximum stresses were on the bottom of the post preparation cavity. Stress values within the posts were: CFRC(4.8MPa)>GFRC(6.7MPa)>MPC(10.3MPa). CC-restored models presented higher von Mises stresses within the post-and-core compared to the LRC groups. Maximum principal stresses were lower compared to von Mises stresses, following the same trend, and were distributed similarly in all the groups. Both GFRC and CFRC showed favourable stresses distribution in the dentin and restorative materials, while MPC increased stresses in core, post and post cement. The more rigid crown material seems to transmit less stresses to the underlying core and crown cement compared to CC.

Finite element analysis and experimental study of strain for a vehicle rear suspension

In this paper, aspects of the study of the durability of rear suspension components of a vehicle are discussed. These aspects are addressed in two ways, namely the study by CAD modelling and finite element method simulation, and secondly by experimental analysis on a durability test bench. In order to develop these research problems, an experimental stand is virtually modelled and studied by simulation using ADAMS software. Results are obtained that characterize the operation of the test bench system kinematically and dynamically. The studies are then completed by finite element analysis of the dependent rear axle and helical springs in the suspension structure. These results are corroborated with those obtained experimentally, i.e. stresses and strains recorded on the stand. The usefulness of these studies is that they allow the validation of different components of the rear suspension in terms of fatigue strength and different types of rear axles from cars can be tested, as the stand has a modular construction and the test parameters can be adjusted.

Occlusal Loading Effect on Stress Distribution of Endodontically Treated Teeth: Finite Element Analysis Study.

Evaluate the influence of occlusal loading on the stress distribution of endodontically treated teeth after root canal preparation with different file's sizes and tapers by means of finite element analysis. Seven three-dimensional models of a single-rooted, single-canal lower second premolar were established, one healthy control and six endodontically treated and restored models. The shape of root canal preparations followed file configurations 30/.05, 30/.09, 35/.04, 35/.06, 40/.04, and 40/.06. Von- Mises equivalent stresses were calculated by applying 30 N, 90 N and 270 N loads to the buccal cusp tip, each one at 90º, 45º and 20º angles from the occlusal plane simulating occlusion, dental interference and laterality, respectively. 45º loading was more prone to formation of higher stress values. The simulation of occlusion and laterality resulted in maximum stress areas located at the inner side of the root curvature, while under occlusal interference they were on the lingual surface over the tooth's long axis. The angulation of occlusal loading and magnitude were determinants for stress distribution on dental structure. Both variations of size and taper were not determinants for the increase in the maximum stress areas.

Strengthening reinforced concrete bridge piers against heavy vehicle collisions with ultra-high performance concrete collars: A finite element analysis study

This paper investigates the effectiveness of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) collars in strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers against heavy tractor-trailer collisions through finite element (FE) analysis. First, validated FE models of UHPC and a heavy tractor-trailer were provided. Then, FE analyses were conducted to evaluate the strengthening performance of the UHPC collar. The effectiveness of UHPC collar was compared with conventional RC collar, and the effects of varying UHPC collar thickness, height, and collar reinforcement were investigated. The results showed that the most severe damage observed on bridge piers due to heavy vehicle collisions primarily occurred below a height of approximately 2000 mm, manifested as diagonal shear cracks and plastic hinges. Therefore, the recommended minimum collar height is 2000 mm. The comparison between UHPC collar and RC collar strengthening demonstrated the superior effectiveness of UHPC collars. A 130-mm UHPC collar exhibited a similar strengthening effect as an 180-mm RC collar. Among the three investigated parameters of UHPC collar thickness, height, and collar reinforcement, the study found that collar thickness had the most significant influence on the effectiveness of the UHPC collar in terms of damage pattern, energy absorption, and maximum deflection. While collar height primarily influenced deflection, a larger collar height was beneficial in reducing pier deflection at the end of the strengthened segment. Adding a small amount of collar reinforcement improved the performance of piers; however, this improvement was limited. The findings of this study address the lack of research on using UHPC for strengthening full-scale bridge piers against heavy tractor-trailer collisions and provide valuable references for future designs with similar applications.