Study of forces applied in maxillary prosthesis using finite element method

Abstract

This work aims to simulate and analyze the use of custom prostheses manufactured by additive manufacturing using the Electron Beam Melting (EBM) method. The Finite Element Method (FEM) uses the study with results on the validation of the mechanical properties of the custom fabrication process of Ti-6Al-4V oromaxillofacial prostheses through tensile tests in simulations. Five simulations were performed, varying the force demands in the range of 200 to 500 N (typical forces during chewing) in the prosthesis's frontal and posterior cylindrical regions. From the analyzed results, it can be observed that in most cases, the maximum stress remained below the material's yield strength limit (827.34 MPa), with deformations confined to the elastic zone, implying a longer lifespan for the prosthesis. However, in cases where stress values approached the critical point, the maximum stress according to the Von Mises criterion (869.86 MPa) exceeded the specified yield strength limit.