Finite Elements in Biomechanics

Abstract

Various working parts of animal bodies are subject to complex mechanical and thermal loadings. These loodings can affect the ways in which components operate and can lead to difficulties with eventual failure from wear and other fracture processes. As an example, teeth can show gradual mechanical wear as well as shifting of position due to applied loads. They will also experience failure by a datigue-like process. These problems are all intensified when restorative work is attempted with materials of quite different mechanical properties to those of tissue. The expansion and contraction of metallic and ceramic fillings can intersify stress and lead to sudden failure. In a similar way, composite components can have stress distributions which are quite different from those normally observed.