title: [The boundary design of mandibular model by means of the three-dimensional finite element method].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To construct the mandibular model and simulate the boundary conditions by means of the three-dimensional finite element method.
  
  
  METHODS
  A juvenile mandible, including TMJ, was scanned transversely by CT, then a three-dimensional finite element model of mandible was constructed. At the same time, the functions of stomatologic muscles and ligaments and the functional actions of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were simulated by means of cable elements and compressive gap elements respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The cable elements were consistent with the functions of stomatologic muscles and ligaments, and the gap elements were similar to the boundary conditions of the TMJ and teeth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cable and gap elements are reasonable boundary conditions of the finite element model of mandible, which will improve the similarity of the model.
authors.affiliation: College of Stomatology, West China University of Medical Sciences.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003198:Computer Simulation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D008410:Masticatory Muscles; D008954:Models, Biological; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint