Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

07:16
Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
[Three-dimensional finite element stress analysis of normal maxillary complex under two different conditions]
Tong Zhang1, Hong-Chen Liu, Yan-Rong Wang
1Department of Stomatology, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100853, China.
Summary
The biomechanics of the maxillary complex show different stress distributions between open-mouth and centric occlusion positions. Masticatory muscle state significantly influences stress, highlighting its importance in biomechanical studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical analysis
- Craniofacial biomechanics
- Finite element analysis
Context:
- The maxillary complex is crucial for mastication and facial structure.
- Understanding its biomechanical behavior under different functional states is essential for dental and orthodontic applications.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the stress distribution variations due to masticatory muscle states.
Purpose:
- To investigate stress distribution changes in the normal maxillary complex.
- To explore the biomechanical reaction features under varying conditions.
- To compare stress patterns between open-mouth and centric occlusion positions.
Summary:
- A 3D finite element analysis was performed on the normal maxillary complex.
- Stress distribution was analyzed under centric occlusion and open-mouth conditions with identical loads.
- Results indicated unequal stress distribution, with higher stress limits observed in the open-mouth position (8.969 N) compared to centric occlusion (6.497 N).
Impact:
- Findings demonstrate that the overall stress in the maxillary complex is lower during centric occlusion due to masticatory muscle states.
- This study underscores the necessity of incorporating masticatory muscle influence into biomechanical models of the maxillary complex.
- Provides critical data for designing more effective orthodontic treatments and understanding craniofacial development.
Related Concept Videos
Stress: General Loading Conditions
To grasp the intricacy of real-world conditions where multiple loads are applied simultaneously to a structure, one might visualize a section passing through a specific point within a body, aligned parallel to the xy plane. This section is subjected to various forces, including original loads, normal forces, and shearing forces.
The shearing force, possessing potential directionality within the plane of the section, is simplified into two component forces running parallel to the x and y axes.
The shearing force, possessing potential directionality within the plane of the section, is simplified into two component forces running parallel to the x and y axes.
Components of Stress
Stress analysis under multiple loading conditions is intricate, necessitating a comprehensive grasp of normal and shearing stresses. Consider a small cube at point O, subjected to stress on all six faces, visible or not. Normal stress components σx, σy, σz act perpendicularly to the x, y, and z axes. Shearing stress components τxy and τxz are exerted on faces perpendicular to these axes.
Interestingly, the hidden cube faces also experience these stresses, equal and opposite to those on the...
Interestingly, the hidden cube faces also experience these stresses, equal and opposite to those on the...
Transformation of Plane Stress
Studying stress transformation is essential in understanding how stress components within a material, like a cube under plane stress, change with rotation. This change is analyzed by considering a prismatic element within the cube. As the element rotates, the stress components acting on it—both normal and shearing stresses—change in magnitude and orientation. This change is quantified using trigonometric functions of the rotation angle, relating the forces acting on the rotated element's faces...
Stress on an Oblique Plane
Understanding stress on an oblique plane under axial loading is pivotal in material mechanics. This analysis offers insight into a material's durability and strength, which is crucial for civil engineering and structural design. Axial loading refers to force application along the material's central axis, causing compression or elongation and leading to normal stress. Normal stress occurs when a force acts perpendicularly to the material's area, resulting in compressive or tensile stress. When...
Principal Stresses
The graphical depiction of normal and shearing stress equations is represented by a circle, demonstrating the interplay between these stresses under different angular conditions. The center of this circle C, located on the vertical axis, represents the average normal stress, while its radius shows the range of stress variations. At points A and B, where the circle intersects the horizontal axis, the maximum and minimum normal stresses are observed, occurring without shearing stress. These...
Principal Stresses: Problem Solving
When analyzing two planes intersecting at right angles under the influence of shearing, tensile, and compressive stresses, it is essential to identify principal planes, maximum shearing stress, and principal stresses. To find the principal planes, apply a formula that equates them to twice the shearing stress divided by the difference between tensile and compressive stresses.

