[A comparative study on experimental and mathematical analysis of mechanical properties of PFM]

In this study we compare the experimental and mathematical analyses of mechanical properties of PFM and analyze their correlation levels and inner links. Fifteen PFM specimens with different thickness ratio of metal to porcelain are made , with the shape of 26mm x 4mm x 1.5mm, and are divided into 5 groups, the metal thickness increases with 0.05mm change each among every group from 0.25mm to 0.45mm, the porcelain thickness decreases accordingly. The three-point-fracture test is used to measure their bending strength and elastic modulus, exhibit their changing laws, and disclose their inner relationships. When the whole thickness of the specimen is determined, the fracture load, bending strength and elastic modulus increase according to the increase of the metal thickness. The experimental mechanical properties of PFM are significantly influenced by the thickness ratio of metal to porcelain, and are the same as the theoretical ones calculated by the mixed law formula of compound material. There is significant correlation between the experimental analysis and mathematical analysis of mechanical properties of PFM. The regression coefficients can be obtained to describe this relationship. Further more, they can be used as the corrected parameters of the theoretical formula. The corrected mathematical formula is helpful to predicting and improving the mechanical properties of PFM.