The objective of the investigation was to develop a clinically valid three-dimensional computer model of the orthodontic bracket-cement-tooth continuum, and determine the magnitude and distribution of stresses generated by three different load cases. A three-dimensional finite element model of the bracket-cement-tooth system was constructed consisting of 15,324 nodes and 2,971 finite elements. The stresses induced in the bracket-tooth interface by a masticatory load, a peel force and a twisting couple were recorded. The maximum principal stresses resulting from occlusal and 'twisting' forces are distributed toward the lute periphery. Peel forces, applied to the bracket tie wing, are concentrated beneath the bracket stem. Twisting forces result in the highest enamel stresses. The quality of orthodontic attachment can be explained by the magnitude and distribution of major principal stresses within the cement and impregnated bracket base. Shear and shear/peel forces are most likely to induce crack propagation within the adhesive layer. However, when a twisting action is used to remove orthodontic brackets, enamel failure is most likely. A clearer insight into the complexity of the bracket-cement-tooth system has been provided by numerical and finite element investigations. Further investigations, evaluating the influence of bracket base designs and orthodontic cement physical and geometric properties are indicated. Refereed Scientific Paper
In this paper, numerical analysis of structural masonry subject to a uniform in-plane tensile stress/strain field is investigated employing various homogenisation techniques. Here, structural masonry is regarded as a composite material with brick, bed joints and head joints as its constituents. Assuming a perfect bonding between constituent materials, two homogenisation techniques based on the strain energy approach are applied to derive equivalent elastic moduli of masonry. Structural relationships for the constituent materials are next derived to relate strains and stresses in constituents to the average strains and stresses in the masonry. In addition, a slightly different concept of the homogenisation technique based on Eshelby's solution of the ellipsoidal inclusion problem is also applied to compare the results with the energy based methods.The tensile strength of the masonry is found on the basis of the failure of any of the constituent materials. It is shown that tensile strength is a function of the elastic parameters of brick/mortar as well as the tensile strength of mortar. These studies also show that, although initial cracking occurs under horizontal tensile forces, the ultimate strength of the panel is higher in this direction than in the vertical direction.
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