Advanced material modelling and fatigue characterization of Bio-Inspired 3D printed dental Implants
Prof Harry Ngwangwa
Prof T Pandelani
E Munenge
W Mtetwa
L Lebea
Abstract
The advancement in dental implant technology has necessitated the exploration of materials that closely mimic the mechanical and biological properties of natural bone while offering enhanced durability. This study investigates the fatigue behavior and material modeling of bio-inspired 3D-printed dental implants fabricated using Alumina (Al₂O₃) ceramic material. Given the high brittleness and mechanical strength of Alumina, accurately predicting its fatigue life is crucial to ensuring implant reliability. The research integrates both experimental and computational approaches to characterize the fatigue performance of these implants. Compression and fatigue tests are conducted to assess the mechanical integrity under cyclic loading, followed by fractography analysis to identify fracture modes and microstructural defects. To complement the experimental findings, the study employs advanced fatigue models, including the Brown and Miller model, implemented in Abaqus and FE-SAFE software to predict fatigue life. Additionally, the biocompatibility of Alumina is evaluated through cell adhesion, proliferation assays, and SEM analysis, ensuring the implants' suitability for long-term use. The results are expected to provide insights into the fatigue behavior of ceramic dental implants and inform the development of reliable and durable solutions in dental prosthetics.
Speaker
Emmanuel Munenge
UNISA-Biomedical & Bioresources Engineering
South Africa
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