Weibull Statistics Research Articles

The breakdown of the Weibull behavior in dental zirconias

AbstractHere we attend to the controversy of the use of Weibull statistics for describing the strength distribution of dental brittle materials. Our approach is purely experimental by means of testing for the strength size effect, a requirement for Weibull materials. Zirconia materials of five important dental manufacturers were selected, each represented by two compositions, being one a 3 mol% Y2O3‐stabilized zirconia, and the other being a “translucent” zirconia with 4 or 5 mol% stabilizer content. Specimens of increasing sizes were fractured, whether by using a biaxial flexure test in plates or a uniaxial bending test in beams, thereby sampling different ranges of effective surfaces and volumes. A systematic deviation from the Weibull behavior over the range of 1–40 mm2 effective surface was demonstrated, regardless of manufacturer and Y2O3 content in the powder. Extensive testing using a wider range of specimen sizes narrowed down the threshold for the breakdown of the defect size distribution from the parent population to be located between 10 and 20 mm2 effective surface. A comparable behavior was confirmed for the partly sintered white‐bodies, with similar defect morphology to the fully sintered analogs, indicating a defect size distribution stemming from the pressing steps of manufacture. The defect shape related to open particle aggregate junctions, pointing to an association of their size distribution to that of the distribution of aggregate sizes in the source powders.

Three‐dimensional printing of zirconia scaffolds for load bearing applications: Study of the optimal fabrication conditions

AbstractYttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) scaffolds with a planned macroporosity fraction of about 70% were fabricated by Robocasting from inks with high solid loadings. The effects of solids loading and the concentrations of processing additives on the flow behavior of the starting suspensions and the viscoelastic properties of the resulting inks were investigated aiming at optimizing the printing process. The shear thinning flow behavior of the starting suspensions containing 45‒48 vol% solids and dispersant concentrations varying within 0.2‒0.8 wt% could be well described by the four‐parameter Cross model. The flow behavior of the suspensions could be correlated with the interaction forces, and the ad‐layer thickness formed around the YSZ particles. Further adding suitable amounts of a binder and a coagulating agent enabled optimizing the viscoelastic properties of inks for 3D printing. Good shape retention was observed for inks with elastic modulus, G′ ≥ 10 MPa. The green scaffolds were dried, sintered at 1350°C, and then used for the assessment of porosity and mechanical properties under compression tests. The porous structures exhibit average compressive strength (σ) of ~70 MPa. Weibull statistics applied to σ data revealed good reliability of the process, which can be used to fabricate YSZ scaffolds for orthopedic applications.

Fiber break model for tension-tension fatigue of unidirectional composites

Damage progression in unidirectional (UD) composites in tension-tension fatigue is vital to understanding fatigue in more complex laminates and loading conditions. We therefore developed the UD fatigue model that considers fiber breaks, fiber-matrix debond growth, fiber fatigue as well as interactions of these damage modes. The contribution of each mode of damage in fatigue is assessed and those that dominate fatigue damage are identified. The model accounts for Weibull statistics of fiber strength and stress redistribution around fiber breaks. The predictions for fatigue loading indicate a significantly higher density of fiber breaks and clusters compared to quasi-static loading at the same stress level. The model predicts S–N curves in pure uniaxial tension-tension fatigue loading and does not consider stress concentrations caused near the grips; the predictions therefore tend to overpredict fatigue life compared to experimental S–N curves available in the literature. The model has potential to be developed for different loading conditions.

Valuation of Wind Energy Turbines Using Volatility of Wind and Price

The limitedness of the nonrenewable local energy resources in Israel, even in the background of the later gas fields’ findings, continues to force the state to devote various efforts towards ‘green’ energy development. These efforts include installations, both for the solar and for wind energy, thus improving the diversity of energy sources. While the standard discounted cash flow (DCF) method using the net present value (NPV) criterion is extensively adopted to evaluate investments, the standard DCF method is inappropriate for the rapidly changing investment climate and for the managerial flexibility in investment decisions. In recent years, the real options analysis (ROA) technique has been widely applied in many studies for the valuation of renewable energy investment projects. Taking into account the above background, we apply, in this study, the real options analysis approach for the valuation of wind energy turbines and apply it to the analysis of wind energy economic potential in Israel, which is the context of our work. We hypothesize that due to nature of wind energy production uncertainties, the ROA method is better than the alternative. The novelty of this paper includes the following: real world wind statistics of the Merom Golan site in Israel (velocity 3.73 m/s, with a standard deviation of 2.03 m/s), a realistic power generation estimation (power generation of 1205.84 kW with a standard deviation of about 0.5% in annual value which is worth about 1.3 M$ per annum), and an economic model to evaluate the profitability of such a project. We thus discuss the existing challenges of diversifying renewable energy sources in Israel by adding wind installations. Our motivation is to introduce a method which will allow investors and officials to take into account uncertainties when deciding in investing in such wind installations. The outcomes of the paper, which are obtained using the method of Weibull statistics and the Black–Scholes ROA technique, include the result that market price volatility adds to the uncertainties much more than any wind fluctuations, provided that the analysis is integrated over a long enough time.

ISO 4049 versus NIST 4877: Influence of stress configuration on the outcome of a three-point bending test in resin-based dental materials and interrelation between standards

ObjectivesThe study aimed to find a relationship between the most common standards used in testing resin-based materials (RBC) in a three-point bend test - ISO 4049 and NIST 4877 - using a size-strength relationship defined by the Weibull model. The direct comparison of calculated and measured data is used for validation. Methods280 (n = 20) specimens were prepared from seven different light-cured RBCs. The flexural strength, FS, and modulus, E, were measured with a span of 12 mm (NIST) or 20 mm (ISO). A fractographic analysis determined the origin of fracture. One and multiple-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) post-hoc tests (α = 0.05), Weibull statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. ResultsCalculated data approximate the measured data very well. FS measured according to ISO is 11 % lower and E is 17 % higher than the NIST data. The test method influenced the properties measured, but not the material ranking or the fracture mode. Fractures originated from volume defects (sub-surface) were the most common type of fracture. ConclusionsWeibull analysis is successful to predict the scaling of strengths to other configurations in RBCs. Clinical SignificanceThe need to limit the sample size of RBCs up to the dimensions of their clinical use can benefit from the use of Weibull statistics. Weibull size-strength relationship and fractographic analysis can help to better assess the clinical behaviour of the RBCs, calculate the reliability of a restoration, and assess the nature of the flaws in the material.

Flexural test as an alternative to tensile test for bond strength of resin cement to zirconia

ObjectiveThere has been a great many technical difficulties in measuring the bond strengths between brittle dental substrates and materials, especially in preparing specimens. This study evaluated the validity of the relatively easy flexural bond strength (FBS) test in measuring bond strength of resin cement to zirconia as an alternative to the cumbersome tensile bond strength (TBS) and micro-tensile bond strength (MTBS) tests. Materials and methodsThe FBS and TBS of resin cement to zirconia were measured experimentally after three surface treatments on a zirconia ceramic: air abrasion only (A), conditioning with Single Bond Universal (U) after air abrasion, and conditioning with Z-Prime Plus (Z) after air abrasion. The data were investigated using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Weibull statistics, and a theoretical simulation. ResultsIn both the FBS and TBS tests, the experimental data were consistent and quantitatively similar. First, according to ANOVA, the U group showed the highest bond strengths in both tests, followed by the Z group and the A group. In each surface treatment group, the FBS was always higher than the TBS. Second, the Weibull fitting showed the same order of strength in both tests (A < Z < U) and in all surface treatment groups (FBS > TBS). Third, the theoretical ratios calculated from the Weibull moduli agreed well with the experimental ratios of the FBS to the TBS. ConclusionThe FBS test can be an alternative to the TBS and MTBS tests in measuring the bond strength of brittle resin cement to zirconia.

Fatigue resistance of monolithic strength-gradient zirconia materials

PurposeEvaluation of the effect of three different dynamic fatigue protocols on the fracture resistance of two monolithic strength-gradient zirconia materials. Materials and methodsA total of 240 specimens (3 × 4 × 45 mm) was milled from two different layers (incisal and middle) of two types of strength-gradient zirconia blanks (IPS e. max ZirCAD MT Multi A2 vs. IPS e. max ZirCAD Prime A2), resulting in 60 specimens per material and layer group (IPS e. max ZirCAD MT Multi A2: incisal (MI), middle (MM); IPS e. max ZirCAD Prime A2: incisal (PI), middle (PM)). Each group was divided into one static (n = 15) and three dynamic fatigue protocols (N = 45, n = 15): i. 50 N increase every 5000 cycles ii. Increase by 5% of static fracture load every 5000 cycles iii. 10 N increase every 1000 cycles until facture. All specimens were loaded until facture in CeraTest 2 k. Kaplan-Meier, Log-Rank and Chi-squared-test as well as Weibull statistics were performed. A fractographic analysis was performed. The specimens were classified according to the number of crack origins and evaluated using the Ciba-Geigy table. ResultsWith regard to the fracture load, in the static loading MI and PI showed a higher fracture load and in dynamic fatigue protocol 2 PI showed a lower fracture load. The number of cycles until fracture only differed within three groups: MM and MI survived a higher number of cycles in dynamic fatigue protocol 2; PI survived a higher number of cycles in dynamic fatigue protocol 2 than in protocol 1. Within dynamic fatigue protocols, PM resisted the highest number of cycles in protocol 1 and 3 and MI in protocol 2. Comparing groups, Weibull modulus differed only within the static loading, with PI showing lower values than MM and MI. Within the material groups, MI showed higher values in static loading than in dynamic fatigue protocol 1 and 2, and PI showed higher values in the dynamic fatigue protocol 3 than in static loading. With regard to fracture patterns, no differences were found between the groups. ConclusionsDynamic fatigue protocols provide clinically relevant information on the long-term stability and reliability of monolithic strength-gradient zirconia materials. However, no definitive instructions for dynamic testing can be provided from this investigation.

SIS Parameters Optimization and Reliable Analysis to Achieve Reduced roughness of PA12 Parts

Selective inhibition sintering (SIS) results in easy, flexible, fast and cost-efficient fabrication of functional parts by using powder material for various applications. The functional part is important for operational examination by fabricating the part unswervingly from CAD data. However, poor surface quality is the major disadvantage in SIS procedure. Selection procedure of optimal operating parameters plays a major role in the fabrication of end products. The present study discusses the effect of key contributing operating parameters on the surface quality of the Polyamide parts fabricated by the SIS process. The parameters like heater power (HP), layer thickness (LT), heater feed rate (HFR), machine feed rate (MFR) and bed temperature (BT) were considered in this study. Face-Centered Central (FCC) design was employed as a statistical technique to set the optimal inhibition sintering parameters. Different mathematical models had also been generated in order to develop a relationship between influencing parameters. Further, adequacies of generated models were validated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach. Moreover, to decide the survival rate of the SIS parts for industrial applications, the surface roughness reliability with higher error ([Formula: see text]%) was tested by using Weibull statistics. It was observed that HP, LT and HFR are contributing more to increase surface roughness.

High cycle fatigue behavior and mechanical performance of a novel sand-cast Mg-Nd-Gd alloy: Effect of heat treatment

Abstract This work was primarily aimed at evaluating the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure, high cycle fatigue behavior and mechanical properties of a novel sand-cast Mg-3Nd-2.6Gd-0.2Zn-0.5Zr alloy. Results indicated that the as-cast studied alloy consisted of non-dendritic α-Mg grains and considerable eutectic phases distributed along grain boundaries, most of which could been successfully dissolved into matrix accompanied by the appearance of rod-shaped Zn–Zr phases after subjected to the optimized solution treatment (535 °C × 10 h). Examinations of microstructure revealed a finely dense dispersion of predominant β′′ and minor β′ phases in the peak-aged studied alloy (isothermally aging at 200 °C for 14 h). Tensile properties were significantly improved, and the relatively best combination of strength and ductility was obtained in peak-aged condition (YS = 220 MPa, UTS = 303 MPa and EL = 4.1%). Heat treatment conditions were found to exert a pronounced influence on the high cycle fatigue properties, and the highest fatigue strength σf (approximately 121.5 MPa), was achieved in peak-aged studied alloy, which is about 24% higher than that of commercial NZ30K-T6 alloy. Owing to the specifically significant response to heat treatments, the fatigue strength of the studied alloy was confirmed to increase in a near linear relationship with the increasing yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. This is also well consistent with the characteristic fatigue life predicted by Weibull statistics in different heat treatment conditions.

Catalyst-free synthesis and mechanical characterization of TaC nanowires

TaC nanowires are expected to be an ideal reinforcing material in ultra-high-temperature ceramics. However, their growth mechanisms and mechanical properties remain unclear, and low-cost large-scale synthesis has not been realised. In this study, bulk synthesis of [100]-oriented TaC nanowires is accomplished by carbothermal synthesis through a direct vapor-solid mechanism. Thermal resonance test results show that the synthesized square TaC nanowires with cross-sectional side-lengths of 65 to 497 nm have a size-independent Young’s modulus of (510.6±12.6) GPa; very close to the corresponding values of their bulk counterparts, but differing considerably from previously published measurements. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show that TaC nanowires with side-lengths of above 15 nm have a constant Young’s modulus of 517 GPa, and size effects on the modulus values should only occur at side-lengths below 15 nm. During bending tests, the TaC nanowires fracture into several segments in a brittle mode, and exhibit an increasing fracture strain from 1.88% to 4.28% as their side-length decreases from 489 to 90 nm. Weibull statistics analyses and TEM observations indicate that the failure of the nanowires should be primarily dependent on the number and size of surface defects. MD simulations further reveal that the defect-free TaC nanowires fail brittlely at a theoretical strain up to 5.76%.

Modern CAD/CAM silicate ceramics, their translucency level and impact of hydrothermal aging on translucency, Martens hardness, biaxial flexural strength and their reliability

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of hydrothermal aging on Martens parameter (Martens hardness: HM/elastic indentation modulus: EIT) and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of recently available CAD/CAM silicate ceramics. Methods220 specimens (diameter: 12 mm, thickness: 0.95 mm) were fabricated from six CAD/CAM ceramics in two translucency levels (LT/HT): (a) two lithium disilicate (Amber Mill, ABM; IPS e.max CAD, IEM), (b) one lithium metasilicate (Cetra Duo, CEL), (c) one lithium alumina silicate (n!ce, NIC), and (d) two leucite ceramics (Initial LRF Block, LRF; IPS Empress CAD, IPR). HM/EIT and BFS were measured initially and after hydrothermal aging (134 °C/0.2 MPa/100 h) in an autoclave. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov-test, t-test, one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Scheffé test, Kruskal-Wallis-test, Mann-Whitney-U-test with Bonferroni correction and Weibull statistics were performed (α = 0.05). ResultsCEL and IEM showed the highest and the leucite ceramics the lowest Martens parameter. Within HT, ABM and NIC were in same initial HM value range with CEL and IEM. ABM and NIC showed lower initial EIT values than CEL and IEM, however higher than IPR. The lowest aged values were analyzed for ABM. After aging, Martens parameter decreased for LRF, ABM, and CEL. IEM showed the initial highest BFS, followed by ABM. NIC and LRF showed the lowest BFS. IEM and ABM presented the highest aged BFS. Hydrothermal aging increased BFS values for LRF (HT), IPR, CEL (HT), and NIC (HT) compared to the initial values. CAD/CAM leucite ceramics showed higher Weibull modul values compared to lithium silicate ceramics. SignificanceThe well-considered selection of ceramics in relation to the areas of indication has the highest influence on the long-term stability of restorations: CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramics presented the highest and leucite ceramics the lowest mechanical properties, whereas the reliability was better for leucite than for lithium silicate ceramics.

Additive manufacturing of high-strength alumina through a multi-material approach

This work demonstrates the use of additive manufacturing to design and fabricate alumina ceramics with strength as high as 1 ​GPa. A multi-material approach is employed by embedding alumina-zirconia layers between outer pure alumina layers with significant compressive residual stresses. Biaxial bending is performed both on the 3D printed multi-material and monolithic alumina parts. Results are analysed in the framework of Weibull statistics. A characteristic biaxial strength higher than 1 ​GPa is measured on the multilayers, compared to 650 ​MPa in monolithic alumina, the difference corresponding to the magnitude of compressive residual stresses due to the thermal mismatch between material regions during cooling from sintering. This is the first report of employing additive manufacturing to tailor the strength of alumina ceramics, taking advantage of the layer-by-layer printing process. Designing complex-shaped ceramic architectures with residual stresses through additive manufacturing opens a new path for fabrication of technical ceramics with tailored mechanical properties.

Fracture Load of Metal, Zirconia and Polyetheretherketone Posterior CAD-CAM Milled Fixed Partial Denture Frameworks.

The aim of this study was to investigate the load to fracture and fracture pattern of prosthetic frameworks for tooth-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs) fabricated with different subtractive computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials. Materials and Methods: Thirty standardized specimens with two abutments were fabricated to receive three-unit posterior FDP frameworks with an intermediate pontic. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 each) according to the material: group 1 (MM)—milled metal; group 2 (L)—zirconia; and group 3 (P)—Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The specimens were thermo-cycled and subjected to a three-point bending test until fracture using a universal testing machine (cross-head speed: 1 mm/min). Axial compressive loads were applied at the central fossa of the pontics. Data analysis was made using one-way analysis of variance, Tamhane post hoc test, and Weibull statistics (α = 0.05). Results: Significant differences were observed among the groups for the fracture load (p < 0.0001). MM frameworks showed the highest fracture load values. The PEEK group registered higher fracture load values than zirconia samples. The Weibull statistics corroborated these results. The fracture pattern was different among the groups. Conclusions: Milled metal provided the highest fracture load values, followed by PEEK, and zirconia. However, all tested groups demonstrated clinically acceptable fracture load values higher than 1000 N. PEEK might be considered a promising alternative for posterior FPDs.

Bi-axial flexural strength of resin based dental composites – Influence and reliability of the testing method configuration

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the effect of the testing method configuration on the bi-axial flexural strength (BFS) of three resin-based dental composites (RDCs). A total of 180 disc-shaped samples (12 mm diameter x 1 mm thickness) for each RDC were fabricated using split back nylon mould. The BFS was determined for specimens made in three commercial RDCs; microhybrid (MH), nanofilled paste (NFP) and nanofilled flowable (NFF) using the ring-on-ring (RoR; n = 90 for each RDC specimens) and ball-on-ring (BoR; n = 90 for each RDC specimens) configurations at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. RDC specimens of MH and NFP tested in the BoR configuration showed higher mean BFS values compared to those tested in the RoR configuration. (p < 0.001). The effect of test configuration on BFS values was insignificant for the specimens belonging to the NFF group (p = 0.207). Moreover, the Weibull modulus of NFF in the RoR configuration was statistically lower compared to those for NFF in the BoR configuration as the 95% confidence interval of Weibull modulus did not overlap. The specimen support and testing configuration significantly impacted the BFS value of the RDCs. The Weibull statistics appeared to be inappropriate for all kinds of RDCs.

Creep-Feed Grinding Wheel Development for Safely Grinding Aerospace Alloys

Creep-feed grinding wheels have been associated with advances in processing difficult-to-cut materials used in the aerospace industry for many years. Since the late 1960s, the development of grinding wheels used for creep-feed grinding (CFG) operations and high-efficiency deep grinding (HEDG) operations has placed great responsibility on grinding wheel manufacturers to produce bonding systems of high strength and bonding bridges with smaller cross-sectional area. The safety of grinding wheels has become very important in recent years due to the increases in porosity (~ 50% vol.) and reductions in bond content (~ 5% vol.). This has necessitated the development of very strong bonding systems that can withstand high rotational, thermal, clamping and contact stresses. The paper not only provides a review of work performed on conventional grinding wheels, but also explains how the use of computational modeling techniques are used to simulate the stresses experienced by superabrasive wheels that are used at high-speeds in creep-feed grinding (CFG), high-efficiency deep grinding (HEDG) and peel grinding (PG) processes. Superabrasive materials of choice for use on difficult-to-machine alloys are typically cubic boron nitride (cBN) and diamond bonded with a vitrified glass-ceramic bonding system. The current work also explains how Weibull statistics are used to characterize the strength of the abrasive-porosity-bond composite structure and how the computational and Weibull statistical analyses are unified through the use of a simple measure of operational integrity known as the safety factor. The paper concludes by showing the reader how computational techniques can be used to design CFG wheels by optimizing abrasive segments bonded to a reinforcing material of high strength operating at a specific peripheral speed. It should be noted that this study is applicable to multi-layered CFG wheels and not to single-layer electroplated grinding wheels that are also used in CFG operations.

Mechanical properties of ceramic composites based on ZrO2 co-stabilized by Y2O3–CeO2 reinforced with Al2O3 platelets for dental implants

ObjectivesThe objective of this work was the development and characterization of a ceramic composite based on (Ce,Y)-TZP/Al2O3 aiming an application on dental implants, comparing it with conventional monolithic 3Y-TZP ceramics, currently used for the same type of application. MethodsCeramic samples, 3Y-TZP (n = 40) and (Ce,Y)-TZP/Al2O3 (n = 40), were sintered at 1500 °C - 2h and characterized by relative density, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and microstructure. Then, the samples of both materials were divided into two groups: 1) samples with original (as sintered) surfaces; 2) samples with conditioned, polished, surfaces. All samples were submitted to hydrothermal degradation tests, on an autoclave (134 °C - 2 bar), for 10 h in artificial saliva. The degraded samples were characterized by XRD and the polished group were also characterized by their elastic moduli, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness (Vickers indentation method). Both groups were also submitted to a flexural strength test, 3B–P testing, for which the data were interpreted using Weibull statistics. ResultsAll sintered specimens presented nearly full densification. After the hydrothermal degradation tests, 3Y-TZP samples presented 16.4% of monoclinic (m)-ZrO2 phase while the composite samples withheld 100% of tetragonal (t)-ZrO2 phase. Both materials presented equiaxial ZrO2 grains with an average size of 0.48 ± 0.17 μm and 0.75 ± 0.22 μm, respectively, for the monolithic and composite ceramics. In the composites, is observed the presence of well distributed Al2O3 grains on the ZrO2 matrix, in two distinct morphologies: equiaxial grains and platelets. The composites (Ce,Y)-TZP/Al2O3 presented average values of elastic moduli, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of 228.3 ± 6.5 GPa, 1427 ± 46 HV e 11.3 ± 0.4 MPa m1/2, respectively. An inversely proportional relationship is observed between the roughness and the bending strength, since the 3Y-TZP samples presented a average strength of 860.7 ± 81 MPa (as-sintered) and 965.4 ± 93 MPa (polished) while the (Ce,Y)-TZP/Al2O3 composites presented average strength of 810.6 ± 147 MPa (as-sintered) and 952.6 ± 88 MPa (polished). ConclusionsThe composites (Ce,Y)-TZP/Al2O3 showed high resistance to degradation in saliva and adequate properties for use as dental implants. Values of flexural strength (>950 MPa) and Weibull modulus (m > 10) were similar to the conventional 3Y-TZP ceramics. Moreover, its hardness, elastic modulus and fracture toughness were higher than those obtained for 3Y-TZP. The expressive values of KIC obtained for (Ce,Y)-TZP/Al2O3 composites are results of association of different toughening mechanisms acting simultaneously in the material.

Inner marginal strength of CAD/CAM materials is not affected by machining protocol

Purpose Here we aimed to compare two machining strategies regarding the marginal strength of CAD/CAM materials using a hoop-strength test in model sphero-cylindrical dental crowns, coupled with finite element analysis. Materials and Methods Five CAD/CAM materials indicated for single posterior crowns were selected, including a lithium disilicate (IPS e.max® CAD), a lithium (di)silicate (Suprinity® PC), a polymer-infiltrated ceramic scaffold (Enamic®), and two indirect resin composites (Grandio® Blocs and Lava™ Ultimate). A sphero-cylindrical model crown was built on CAD Software onto a geometrical abutment and machined using a Cerec MC XL system according to the two available protocols: rough-fast and fine-slow. Specimens were fractured using a novel hoop-strength test and analyzed using the finite element method to obtain the inner marginal strength. Data were evaluated using Weibull statistics. Results Machining strategy did not affect the marginal strength of any restorative material tested here. Ceramic materials showed a higher density of chippings in the outer margin, but this did not reduce inner marginal strength. IPS e.max® CAD showed the statistically highest marginal strength, and Enamic® and Lava™ Ultimate were the lowest. Grandio® Blocs showed higher performance than Suprinity® PC. Conclusions The rough-fast machining strategy available in Cerec MC XL does not degrade the marginal strength of the evaluated CAD/CAD materials when compared to its fine-fast machining strategy. Depending on the material, resin composites have the potential to perform better than some glass-ceramic materials.

Biaxial flexural strength of zirconia: A round robin test with 12 laboratories

ObjectiveThe aim of this interlaboratory round robin test was to prove the robustness of the DIN EN ISO 6872:2019 and to identify the influence of processing and testing variations. MethodsEach of the 12 laboratories participated (A–L) received 60 (n = 720) assigned zirconia specimens. All participants seperated the specimens from the blanks, sintered them, polished half of all specimens and performed the biaxial flexural test (DIN EN ISO 6872:2019). The surface roughness was determined by using tactile measuring device. Fractographic examination was performed under scanning-electron-microscopy (SEM). Data was analysed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov-, Kruskal–Wallis-, Mann–Whitney-U-test and two-parametric Weibull statistic (p < 0.05). ResultsThe results for both preparation methods (as-fired and polished) showed significant differences for some participants. The values for as-fired groups ranged between 513 (I) and 659 (E) MPa. H showed higher Weibull modulus than C, E and I. Within polished groups flexural strengths values from 465 (L) to 1212 (E) MPa were observed, with a tendency to clustered groups A, I, J, L (465–689 MPa) and remaining groups (877–1212 MPa). E presented the highest and H the lowest Weibull modulus. Within A and J, no impact of the preparation method on flexural strength values was observed. Within L, as-fired specimens showed higher flexural strength than polished ones. The flexural strength increase did only associate to a certain extent with measured surface roughness. Fractography showed defect populations depending on polishing techniques, associated to the strength level, especially for polished groups. Reduced strength is related to machining defects, regardless of the surface state. SignificanceDIN EN ISO 6872:2019 can be seen as guidance to biaxial flexural strength testing but additional effort is necessary to ensure interlaboratory comparability. Calibrated furnaces and reliable sintering conditions are mandatory requirements together with detailed specifications on finishing or polishing procedures. Biaxial flexural testing is really a matter of understanding specimen preparation, alignment and mechanical testing by itself.DIN EN ISO 6872:2019 should further recommend reporting of mean surface roughness along with any biaxial flexural strength data. Fractography is a mandatory tool in interpretation and understanding of strength data.

Study of Frictional Effects of Granite Subjected to Quasi-Static Contact Loading

The rock fragmentation response to drilling, in particular percussive drilling, is important in order to improve the efficiency of such an operation. The resulting problem includes spherical contact between the drill bit and the material and therefore, a numerical analysis of frictional effects in quasi-static spherical indentation of Bohus granite is presented. The frictional coefficient between the indenter and the granite surface is accounted for in numerical simulations. A previously determined constitutive law is used for the purpose of numerical analyses. The latter consists of a Drucker-Prager plasticity model with variable dilation angle coupled with an anisotropic damage model. Since the tensile strength is random, Weibull statistics was considered. Using a frictionless contact model, the stress state of Bohus granite corresponding to the first material failure occurrence, observed in indentation experiments, was numerically determined. However, the frictional effects, which are of interest in this study, may lead to changes in the numerically established stress state and consequently the Weibull parameters should be recalibrated. The so-called Weibull stress decreases from 120 MPa for a frictionless contact to 75 MPa for frictional contact, and the Weibull modulus from 24 to 12. It is numerically observed that the predicted force-penetration response, using the new set of Weibull parameters, is not influenced by friction. Conversely, the predicted fracture pattern, in the case of frictional contact, is similar to the case of frictionless contact, but its size is somewhat larger. Last, a parametric study analyzing the dependence of the friction coefficient is carried out and no significant changes are detected. The novelty of the present findings concerns the fact that both an advanced damage description in combination with an advanced plasticity model, both implemented for finite element analyses, is used to analyze frictional effects at granite indentation.

Aging behavior of high-translucent CAD/CAM resin-based composite blocks

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of artificial aging on the mechanical properties and fracture patterns of novel CAD/CAM resin-based composite blocks (RCB). MethodsFlexural strength and modulus of RCBs from seven manufacturers (Voco, Grandio Blocs, GB; Ivoclar Vivadent, Tetric®CAD, TC; DMG, Luxacam Composite, LC; Shofu Block HC, SF; 3M, Lava™ Ultimate, LU; GC, Cerasmart®, CS; Coltene, BRILLIANT Crios, CB) were assessed in a three-point-bending test after an aging process consisting of three sequential steps (14 days storage in artificial saliva, 10,000 thermo-cycles in distilled water between 5/55 °C, 48 h storage in ethanol 75%). Fracture origins were determined in a fractographic examination using reflected light stereomicroscopy combined with transillumination and scanning electron microscopy. Effects of aging were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05) and Weibull statistics. Correlations regarding filler amount were analysed using linear regression analysis. ResultsThe strongest influence on the flexural modulus and strength was exerted based on the parameter material (p < 0.001, ɳP2 = 0.957; ɳP2 = 0.770), but the influence of in vitro aging was also significant (p < 0.001, ɳP2 = 0.623; ɳP2 = 0.407). Storage in artificial saliva decreased the flexural modulus and flexural strength of all materials, apart from CS, significantly (p < 0.05). The Weibull moduli varied from 5.8 to 22.4. Filler amount correlated significantly with flexural modulus (p < 0.001; R2 = 0.739).Fractography revealed four different fracture patterns with fracture origins from the corner, edge or sub-surface and a smooth fracture surface with non-identifiable fracture origin. Specimens with smooth fracture surface showed the significantly lowest flexural strength (p < 0.001). Pores, agglomerates and inclusions were identified as fracture origins. ConclusionsStorage in artificial saliva mainly reduced the mechanical properties significantly while additional thermal aging mostly maintained the results. Aging in ethanol mostly maintained the results for flexural modulus but led to an increase in flexural strength values to the level of the unaged specimens. Fractographic analysis revealed a significant accumulation of sub-surface fracture origins after storage in ethanol arising from inherent flaws.