[Numerical simulation of dental composite damage caused by water sorption]

Damage effects of water sorption on mechanical properties of the hydroxyapatite particle reinforced Bis-GMA/TEGDMA copolymer (HA/Bis-GMA/TEGDMA) have been predicted using 3-D finite cell models. Three different cell models were used to determine the influence of varying particle contents, interphase strength and moisture concentration on the debonding damage. The stress distribution pattern has been examined and the stress transfer mode has been clarified. The Young's modulus and fracture strength of the Bis-GMA/TEGDMA composite were also predicted using the model with and without consideration of the damage. The former results with consideration of the debonding damage are in good agreement with existing literature experimental data. The shielding effect of our proposed model and an alternative approach were discussed. The FCC cell model has also been extended to predict the critical load for the damaged and the undamaged composite subject to the 3-point flexural test.