Modeling and validation of a 3D premolar for finite element analysis

Abstract Introduction The development and validation of mathematical models is an important step of the methodology of finite element studies. Objective This study aims to describe the development and validation of a three-dimensional numerical model of a maxillary premolar for finite element analysis. Material and method The 3D model was based on standardized photographs of sequential slices of an intact premolar and generated with the use of SolidWorks Software (Dassault, France). In order to validate the model, compression and numerical tests were performed. The load versus displacement graphs of both tests were visually compared, the percentage of error calculated and homogeneity of regression coefficients tested. Result An accurate 3D model was developed and validated since the graphs were visually similar, the percentage error was within acceptable limits, and the straight lines were considered parallel. Conclusion The modeling procedures and validation described allows the development of accurate 3D dental models with biomechanical behavior similar to natural teeth. The methods may be applied in development and validation of new models and computer-aided simulations using FEM.摘要 引言：数学模型的开发与验证是有限元研究方法论的重要环节。研究目的：本研究旨在描述一款用于有限元分析的上颌前磨牙三维数值模型的开发与验证流程。材料与方法：本三维模型基于完整前磨牙连续断层的标准化照片，通过法国达索（Dassault）公司的SolidWorks软件构建。为验证该模型，本研究开展了压缩试验与数值试验。对两项试验的载荷-位移曲线进行目视比对，计算误差百分比，并检验回归系数的同质性。研究结果：本研究成功开发并验证了高精度三维模型，具体表现为：两项试验的载荷-位移曲线目视匹配度高，误差百分比处于可接受范围内，且回归直线被判定为平行。结论：本研究所述的建模流程与验证方法，可用于开发生物力学特性与天然牙齿相近的高精度口腔三维模型。该方法可应用于采用有限元法（Finite Element Method, FEM）的新型模型开发与验证，以及计算机辅助仿真研究。