IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS)

e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 15, Issue 3 Ver. III (Mar. 2016), PP 38-41
www.iosrjournals.org

Finite Element Method: An Overview

Dr.Falguni Mehta1, Dr.Hrishabh Joshi2
1(Head of Department, Department of Orthodontics, Govt. Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad)
2(3rd Year Post Graduate, Department of Orthodontics, Govt. Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad)

Abstract: The finite element method (FEM) involves a series of mathematical computational procedures to
calculate the load distribution in each element.Such a structural analysis allows the determination of stress
resulting from external force, pressure, thermal change, and other factors. This method is extremely useful for
indicating mechanical aspects of biomaterials and human tissues that can hardly be measured in vivo. The
results obtained can then be studied using visualization software within the FEM environment to view a variety
of parameters, and to fully identify implications of the analysis. This paper shows the basic concept,
methodology, advantages, limitations and applications of finite element method (FEM) in dentistry.
Keywords: Finite element method, finite element analysis, Nodes, Geometric model, meshing

I. Introduction
The majority of previous studies done for elucidation of biomechanical behavior are limited in their
evaluation of stress distributions in the internal structures.Thus because of difficulties in measuring strains and
stresses in living tissues complete understanding of complex mechanisms have not been understood properly.
Finite element analysis makes it possible to elucidate biomechanical components such as stresses and strains
induced in the living structures from various external forces[1]. The finite element method of stress analysis
(FEM) is a computer-aided mathematical technique for obtaining approximate numerical solutions to the
abstract equations of calculus that predict the response of physical systems subjected to external influences[2,3].
FEM allows stress distributions and levels to be evaluated in systems with irregular geometry and
nonhomogeneous physical properties.The finite element method has proven to be a useful tool in a number
ofbiologicalapplications. The mathematical limitations inherent in linear methods from plane geometry were
described accurately many years ago by Moyers and Bookstein. This method generates a mathematical
transformation related to both size and shape. The use of transformations in this manner accomplishes a greater
degree of sophistication for the analysis of craniofacial growth and development.
The finite element method (FEM) is a highly precise technique used to analyze structural stress. Used in
engineering for years, this method uses the computer to solve large numbers of equations to calculate stress on
the basis of the physical properties of structures being analyzed [4,5]. FEM has many advantages over other
methods (such as the photoelastic method), highlighted by the ability to includeheterogeneity of tooth material
and irregularity of the tooth contour in the model design and the relative ease with which loads can be applied at
different directions and magnitudes for a more complete analysis. Finite element analysis has been used in
dentistry to investigate a wide range of topics, such as the structure of teeth, biomaterials and restorations, dental
implants, and root canals [6-8].

II. Literature review

Finite element method was originally developed in 1956 in the aircraft industry. This technique has
since been in widespread use not only in aerospace engineering, but also in civil engineering. The finite element
method has proved to be extremely effective for the treatment of problems of plane stress and plane strain.
Yettram et al were amongst the first to employ a two-dimensional finite element model of a maxillary central
incisor to determine the instantaneous centre of rotation of this tooth during translation[9]. First three
dimensional FEM study in dentistry appeared in 1974, where J.W..Farah and R.G.Craigdid finite element stress
analysis in a restored axisymmetric first molar[10]. Moss et al described the application of Finite element
methods for quantitative descriptions of cranial skeletal size and shape change with local growth significance,
independent of any external frame of reference, and, by so doing, eliminating the principal source of
methodological error in customary roentgenographiccephalometry[4].Using more complex three dimensional
models Wilson et al,Tanne et al. and McGuinness et al havestudied moment to force ratios and stress
distributions during orthodontic tooth movement. Cobo et al. studied periodontal Stresses during tooth
movement[12-14].In the field of Dentofacial Orthopedics, Finite Element models have been employed to
evaluate the stress distribution induced within the craniofacial complex during the application of protraction
headgear, orthopedic chin cup forces and conventional headgear forces[15-19]. Kazuo Tanne et al investigated
stress distributions in the craniofacial complex by means of the finite element analysis[20].Ghosh et alhave used

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 Finite Element Method: An Overview

three-dimensional FEM models of ceramic orthodontic bracket designs to determine the stress distribution and
likely mode of cohesive failure within the bracket when a full dimension stainless steel arch wire is engaged
within the bracket slot [21].Similarly, Rossouw and Tereblanche have used a simplified three dimensional finite
element model to evaluate the stress distribution around orthodontic attachments during debonding[22] .
Ghosh and Nanda generated finite element models for selected ceramic brackets and graphically display the
stress distribution in the brackets when subjected to arch wire torsion and tipping forces[21].Katona compared
different methods of bracket removal and suggested that different loading methods resulted in significantly
different stress patterns[23].Halazonetisused two dimensional model to determine periodontal ligament (PDL)
stress distribution following force application at varying distances from the centre of resistance of a maxillary
incisor[24].Bobak et al used finite element method of analysis (FEM) to analyze theoretically the effects of a
transpalatal arch (TPA) on periodontal stresses of molars that were subjected to typical retraction forces[25].
G.D. Singh, J.A. McNamara traced cephalographs and color-coded finite element (FEM) analysis was used to
measure differences in morphology[26].Iseri et al evaluated the biomechanical effect of rapid maxillary
expansion (RME) on the craniofacial complex by using a three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) of the
craniofacial skeleton.Jafari et al analyzed the stress distribution patterns within the craniofacial complex during
rapid maxillary expansion. A finite element model of a young human skull was generated using data from
computerized tomographic scans of a dried skull[27].Lin et aldid a study on microimplants and concluded that
increased exposure lengths resulted in higher bone stresses adjacent to the mini-implant. The direction of
orthodontic force had no significant effect on cortical bone stress[28].Anshul Chaudhary et al(2015) did a fixed
functional appliance study by finite element model analysis which caused increase in the maximum principal
stress and the von Mises stress in both the cortical bone and the condylar region of the mandible by more than 2
times[29].

III. Basic steps involved in carrying out FEA are [30]:

 Pre-processing.
 Conversion of geometric model into finite element model.
 Assembly/Material Property data representation.
 Defining the boundary conditions.
 Loading Configuration.
 Processing.
 Post-processing.

III.1.Preprocessing: Construction of the Geometric model:

The purpose of the geometric modeling phase is to represent geometry in terms of points, lines, areas
and volume. Complicated or smooth objects can be represented by geometrically simple pieces.

III.2.Conversion of Geometric model to Finite Element Model:

Discretization is the process of dividing problem into several small elements, connected with nodes.
All elements and nodes must be numbered so that a setup of matrix connectivity is established. This greatly
affects the computing time. The elements could be one, two or three-dimensional and in various shapes. It is
essential that the elements are not overlapping but are connected only at the key points, which are termed nodes.
The joining of elements at the nodes and eliminating duplicate nodes is termed as ‘Meshing’.

III.3.Assembly / Material Property data representation:

Equations are developed for each element in the FEM mesh and assembled into a set of global
equations that model the properties of the entire system. Minimum material properties required are poisons ratio
and young’s modulus.

III.4.Defining the Boundary Conditions:

Boundary conditions means that suppose an element is constructed on the computer and a force is
applied to it, it will act like a free-floating rigid body and will undergo a translatory or rotatory motion or a
combination of the two without experiencing deformation. To study its deformation, some degrees of freedom
must be restricted (movement of the node in each direction x, y, and z) for some of the nodes. Such constraints
are termed boundary conditions.

III.5.Loading configuration:
Application of force at various points of geometry and its configuration.

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 Finite Element Method: An Overview

III.6.Processing:
Solve the system of linear algebraic equation. The stresses are determined from the strains by Hooke's
law. Strains are derived from the displacement functions within the element Combined with Hooke's law.

III.7.Post-Processing:
The output from the Finite Element Analysis is primarily in the numerical form. It usually consists of
nodal values of the field variables and its derivatives. For example in solid mechanical problems, the output is
nodal displacement and element stresses. Graphic outputs and displays are usually more informative. The
curves and contours of the field variable can be plotted and displayed. Also deformed shapes can be displayed
and superimposed on unreformed shapes. The output is primarily in the form of color-coded maps. The
quantitative analysis is determined by interpreting these maps.

IV. Applications in orthodontics

1. Finite element analysis has been applied to the description of form changes in biological structures
(morphometrics), particularly in the area of growth and development[31].
2. Finite element analysis as well as other related morphometric techniques such a macro-element and the
boundary integral equation method (BIE) is useful for the assessment of complex shape changes[32].
3. Analysis of stresses produced in the periodontal ligament when subjected to orthodontic forces[33-34].
4. Finite element method is also useful for structures with inherent material homogeneity and potentially
complicated shapes such as dental implants[35-37].
5. The type of predictive computer model described may be used to study the biomechanics of orthodontic
tooth movement, whilst accurately assessing the effect of new appliance systems and materials without the
need to go to animal or other less representative models.
6. The mechanical behavior of the orthodontic wires and different design of brackets and its contact problem
can be well modeled and simulated by the finite element method. This method is an important tool in the
development and improvement of orthodontic bracket and wires design[38].

V. Advantages of FEM
1. Extensive instrumentation is not required.
2. Complex larger problems can be split into smaller problems.
3. It is a completely non-invasive procedure.
4. Three dimensional models can be generated.
5. Actual physical properties can be simulated and external environment can be simulated.
6. The operator can repeat the study as many times as possible.

VI. Disadvantages of FEM

1. The tooth is treated as pinned to the bone via periodontal ligament. This rigidity in the elemental nodal
complex can result in errors in calculations.
2. To simulate physical environment certain assumptions are made which can result in errors in maximum
stress calculations.
3. The properties assigned for calculations are not satisfactory so better defined properties must be used to get
more precise results.

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