Finite element analysis of the relationship between clasp dimensions and flexibility.
A parameter study with use of the finite element method was conducted for examination of the relationships between the shape parameters of a clasp (width and thickness at the base and tip of the clasp) and its displacement or stress. By synthesis of these relationships, a simple formula defining the clasp tip displacement in terms of clasp dimensions ("displacement formula") was obtained. A stiffness parameter "Fd" (the load producing a 1-mm displacement of the clasp tip) was proposed, and a formula defining Fd in terms of shape parameters was derived from the displacement formula. Fd would be a practical parameter for the definition of clasp retention, and the present formulae appear to be useful tools for investigation of the retention of removable partial dentures.
Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Hiroshima University School of Dentistry, Japan.
Y
Y
Yuasa
Y
Y
Sato
S
S
Ohkawa
T
T
Nagasawa
H
H
Tsuru
D002858:Chromium Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004548:Elasticity; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis
D002858:Chromium Alloys