Estimation of crack propagation in edentulous mandibular bone using finite element analysis

Subject Areas : Mechanical Engineering

Tayebeh Tazh ¹ , Kamran Hassani ^{2 *} , siamak Khorramymehr ³ , Mohammad Nikkhoo ⁴

1 - گروه مهندسی پزشکی، واحد علوم و تحقیقات، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
2 - گروه مهندسی پزشکی، واحد علوم و تحقیقات، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
3 - گروه مهندسی پزشکی، واحد علوم و تحقیقات، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
4 - گروه مهندسی پزشکی، واحد علوم و تحقیقات، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران

Received: 2025-03-02 Accepted : 2025-09-24 Published : 2025-11-23

Keywords: Crack propagation, Mandibular bones, Finite element analysis, 3D scanning, Viscoelastic,

Abstract :

Mandibular fractures can lead to serious problems such as mandibular deficiency, deviation and asymmetry in patients. Finite element analysis is employed for evaluating the amount and location of cracks in the mandibular bone. In this context, the jawbone thickness impact on maximum stress and crack location in a real human jaw geometry with heterogeneous bone properties and under chewing loading has not been investigated. Here, the mandibular bone thickness impact on the creation and propagation of cracks has been investigated using finite element analysis using ABAQUS software. The studied geometry was created using the 3D scanning technology of a resorbed edentulous jaw. The place of crack is not predetermined, and its starting point is assumed to be at the point of maximum stress. The properties of bones are considered viscoelastic and heterogeneous. Findings reveal that the maximum von Mises stress decreases by increasing the jawbone thickness. Also, by increasing the bone thickness, the rate of crack propagation decreases, so that no cracks are formed in the mandibular bone when the thickness is greater than 10.8 mm. In fact, if the thickness of the mandibular bone in people with atrophic edentulous mandible is less than 10.8 mm, the possibility of failure due to muscle forces and its combination with the chewing forces of the person will be possible.

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