[Finite element analysis of the biomechanics of human mandible in response to impact force].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the biomechanical mechanism of impact force-induced mandibular fractures and its finite element analysis.


METHODS
Three mandibular impact fracture models were prepared using intact human mandibular specimens and simulated maxillary models according to the Hanau principle of articulator and a MTS-858 biological material testing machine. Mandibular impact was delivered in the direction of the chin level at the mandibular postural position (MPP) on MTS. The computerized mandibular model was then established from 3-dimensional laser scanning images for finite element analysis using ANSYS7.0.


RESULTS
The 3 mandibular specimens were fractured at the chin, where the maximum force was 2151.10-/+ 125.18 N with response time of 17.3-/+2.3 ms. Impact simulation with ANSYS mimicking stress changes in the internal jaw suggested the chin as place where maximum stress occurred. According to the stress curve, the maximum stress of 3201.35 kPa occurred at the point 1.92 cm from the upper edge of the chin.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of mandibular impact experiments and finite element analysis allows quantification of several parameters of the jaw and provides clues for understanding the biomechanical mechanism of mandibular impact fractures.
Liu
Yang
Y
Department of Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics of Guangdong Province, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. lxp69@163.com
Li
Jian-Yi
JY
Zhao
Wei-Dong
WD
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength