Anatomically based 3D geometric modeling of specific biological structures

Abstract

Mechanical behavior of biological structures is a common subject of scientific research. The results of such investigations offer the precise insight into the biomechanical properties of biological structures and are usefull for predicting their behavior when subjected to loading. Although, such biomechanical investigations were conducted on experimental animals nowadays are very popular investigations concerning mathematical experimental models. The most common is the finite element method analysis. A digital model of a structure of interest has to be created for an investigation with the finite element method. Once the digital model is created with the use of computer technology numerous changes of elements and structures are possible, with different applications of the simulated load. The aim of this paper was to to present the development of our own three-dimensional tooth model created for finite element analyses of intact tooth behavior under functional loading. Also, the idea was to evaluate the possibility for using finite element analysis in veterinary biomechanical research. Our own 3D model was created using computer software according to available literature data, and facts gained from freshly extracted intact teeth and plaster models. It is necessary to emphasize that FEM is an effective tool that has been adapted from the engineering arena to biomechanic research and has the potential to contribute to the growing scientific basis of knowledge in veterinary dentistry.

Mehaničko ponašanje bioloških struktura je vrlo čest predmet naučnih istraživanja. Rezultati takvih istraživanja pružaju precizne podatke o biomehaničkim karakteristikama bioloških struktura i kao takvi su korisni za predviđanje ponašanja struktura kada su izložene opterećenjima. Iako su za sprovođenje takvih istraživanja često korišćene ekesperimentalne životinje, u novije vreme sve su češća takva istraživanja na matematičkim modelima. Pri tome primat ima metoda konačnih elemenata. Da bi se sprovelo istraživanje metodom konačnih elemenata potrebno je napraviti digitalni model strukture koja je predmet istraživanja. Jednom napravljen matematički digitalni model omogućuje primenom računara beskonačan broj promena oblika pojedinih elemenata i struktura, ali takođe i bezbroj simulacija aplikacija sila. Cilj ovog rada bio je prikazati način dobijanja trodimezionalnog modela zuba potrebnog za sprovođenje analiza ponašanja zuba nakon okluzalnog opterećenja metodom konačnih elemenata kao i proceniti mogućnost primene ove metode u biomehaničkim istraživanjima u veterinarskoj nauci. Na osnovu podataka iz literature, analizom morfologije ekstrahovanih zuba i plastičnih zuba u odgovarajućim kompjuterskim programima izvršeno je kreiranje sopstvenog modela intaktnog zuba. Posebno treba istaći da je MKE vrlo efikasan istraživački alat koji je preuzet iz inžinjerskih oblasti i ima potencijala za širu primenu u veterinarskoj nauci, posebno stomatologiji. .