Fracture toughness evaluation of zirconia ceramics using nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis
4
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
18831958
eISSN
22124632
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105044352960
Journal Title
Journal of Prosthodontic Research
Volume
70
Issue
3
Start Page
508
End Page
516
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Prosthodontic Research Vol.70 No.3 (2026) , 508-516
Suggested Citation
Kyaw O., Yamaguchi S., Kanazawa M., De Munck J., Pongprueksa P., Vleugels J., Van Meerbeek B., Zhang F., Inokoshi M. Fracture toughness evaluation of zirconia ceramics using nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis. Journal of Prosthodontic Research Vol.70 No.3 (2026) , 508-516. 516. doi:10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_25_00242 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/117996
Title
Fracture toughness evaluation of zirconia ceramics using nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish chevron-notched beam (CNB) finite element analysis (FEA) models to investigate the fracture toughness of zirconia ceramics. Methods: Experimental four-point flexural strength data (n = 9; previously published) for 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP; 3M Oral Care, Seefeld, Germany) were combined with numerical data (calculated using the inverse finite element method) to evaluate the input material properties of the CNB-FEA models. These models (n = 8) were then simulated and validated against the CNB test data of specimens with the same geometries (n = 8). The validation criteria included the margin of error, coefficient of determination, and linear regression. FEA was used to evaluate the volumetric strain distribution during deformation. Results: 3Y-TZP has static elastic modulus and fracture strain values of 144.5 GPa and 0.0056, respectively. The fracture toughness of the CNB-FEA models closely matched those of the corresponding test specimens (±3% error). Linear regression yielded a coefficient of determination (R<sup>2</sup>) of 0.94 (P < 0.05), demonstrating an excellent predictive performance. The CNB-FEA models accurately reflected the actual fracture behaviors of the zirconia ceramics, with the volumetric strain localized at the notch tip. Conclusions: The volumetric strains of the CNB-FEA models could be determined using the FEA and measured four-point flexural strength data. Thus, CNB-FEA was found to be a valuable method for predicting the fracture toughness of zirconia ceramics.