Open Access

ARTICLE

Numerical modeling of shape-memory alloys in orthodontics

F. Auricchio¹, L. Petrini², R. Pietrabissa³, E. Sacco⁴

1 Corresponding author. (auricchio@unipv.it, http://www.unipv.it/dms/auricchio) Dipartimento di Meccanica Strutturale, Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
2 Dipartimento di Meccanica Strutturale, Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
3 Laboratorio di Meccanica delle Strutture Biologiche, Dipartimento di Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
4 Dipartimento di Meccanica, Strutture, A&T, Università di Cassino, Via Di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino, Italy.

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2003, 4(3&4), 365-380. https://doi.org/10.3970/cmes.2003.004.365

Abstract

Since 80’s many devices were developed to exploit the unique blend of mechanical and biocompatibility properties of shape memory alloys in orthodontic applications. It results in a high clinical effectiveness, but also in a spreading of technical knowledge on the properties of the single appliances. The goal of the present contribution is to contrast this sense of bewilderness and to prepare the basis for a simulationtool able to support the orthodontist choice. In particular a finite-element beam with a one-dimensional constitutive law, able to describe the SMA super elasticity and shape memory effect, is presented: it is shown how computer modeling can be helpful in the understanding of the single appliance response as well as in the design of new more advanced, and possibly more effective, applications.

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