[EO-7] In silico Nonlinear Dynamic Finite Element Analysis for the Evaluation of Fracture Toughness in Zirconia Ceramics
[Abstract]
[Objective]
In silico nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis presents a promising avenue for assessing the mechanical properties of zirconia ceramics without the need for material wastage. This study aimed to establish and validate an in silico simulation of the chevron-notch-beam (CNB), which accurately reflects the in vitro mechanical properties of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP).
[Method]
The in vitro measurements included four-point flexural strength (n = 9), CNB fracture toughness (n = 8), and density (n = 1) of 3Y-TZP zirconia (LAVA Plus, 3M Oral Care). In silico models were developed to mirror the in vitro test setups, employing the explicit dynamic method for both in silico four-point flexural strength and CNB fracture toughness. Density served as an input value for explicit analysis, and the average load-displacement curve from the four-point flexural strength tests guided the determination of specimen deflection and initial modulus. This curve was then compared to the load-displacement curve of in silico four-point flexural strength without failure criteria. The deflection from the in silico four-point flexural strength test was utilized to calculate fracture strain, subsequently employed as a failure criterion to ascertain the elastic modulus through a comparison of in silico and in vitro load-displacement curves. The elastic modulus from the in silico four-point flexural strength test served as an input parameter for the in silico chevron-notch test. The volumetric strain from the history variable of the in silico four-point flexural strength test was adopted as a failure criterion for the in silico CNB test.
[Results and Discussion]
The elastic modulus determined through in silico simulation for zirconia ceramics was 145.5 GPa, with a fracture strain of 0.00562. The fracture toughness obtained from in silico analysis was 5.2 MPa.m1/2. In silico nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis of four-point flexural strength and CNB fracture toughness accurately mirrors the physical properties of zirconia ceramics. This approach proves invaluable for determining zirconia ceramic fracture toughness, eliminating the need for specimen preparation and minimizing material wastage.
[Objective]
In silico nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis presents a promising avenue for assessing the mechanical properties of zirconia ceramics without the need for material wastage. This study aimed to establish and validate an in silico simulation of the chevron-notch-beam (CNB), which accurately reflects the in vitro mechanical properties of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP).
[Method]
The in vitro measurements included four-point flexural strength (n = 9), CNB fracture toughness (n = 8), and density (n = 1) of 3Y-TZP zirconia (LAVA Plus, 3M Oral Care). In silico models were developed to mirror the in vitro test setups, employing the explicit dynamic method for both in silico four-point flexural strength and CNB fracture toughness. Density served as an input value for explicit analysis, and the average load-displacement curve from the four-point flexural strength tests guided the determination of specimen deflection and initial modulus. This curve was then compared to the load-displacement curve of in silico four-point flexural strength without failure criteria. The deflection from the in silico four-point flexural strength test was utilized to calculate fracture strain, subsequently employed as a failure criterion to ascertain the elastic modulus through a comparison of in silico and in vitro load-displacement curves. The elastic modulus from the in silico four-point flexural strength test served as an input parameter for the in silico chevron-notch test. The volumetric strain from the history variable of the in silico four-point flexural strength test was adopted as a failure criterion for the in silico CNB test.
[Results and Discussion]
The elastic modulus determined through in silico simulation for zirconia ceramics was 145.5 GPa, with a fracture strain of 0.00562. The fracture toughness obtained from in silico analysis was 5.2 MPa.m1/2. In silico nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis of four-point flexural strength and CNB fracture toughness accurately mirrors the physical properties of zirconia ceramics. This approach proves invaluable for determining zirconia ceramic fracture toughness, eliminating the need for specimen preparation and minimizing material wastage.