Finite Element Analysis

Pro/MECHANICA was used to analyze the effects of the 100 N load onto the different dental structures. The model was quartered, so that the computer only had to analyze one quarter of the information, saving a lot of time.  To ensure that the computer knew that the rest of the model was actually there, just not actively being analyzed, symmetric boundary conditions were applied to the cut edges.  All of the cut edges must have perpendicular boundary conditions applied to them such that the constraints prevent the model from moving in those directions.  For example, if the model was cut along the x-axis, a boundary condition that restricts motion in the x-direction was applied to the perpendicular cut surface so that it would not move with respect to the cut.  Boundary conditions were placed on both of the cut edges, as well as on the bottom surfaces of the dental ridge.  It was assumed that the structure was stationary, since a dental structure would be stationary to ones jaw bone.  Thus, the bottom surface of the structure was be fixed in the x-, y-, and z- directions.