Finite element method analysis of denta! wax by four-element Maxwell model

摘要

Waxes are widely used in dentistry as pattern materials for crowns and dentures [1]. However, they have low resistance against deformation because of their small elastic moduli, low melting points and large coefficients of thermal expansion. Katakura and co-authors [2, 3]. introduced an equation to analyse the visco-elastic behaviour of wax under uniaxial loading condition. However, another method, which can analyse more general problems, is necessary. Thus, a finite element method (FEM) program was developed and applied to simple problems. Subsequently, this method was found to be useful for analysing the visco-elastic behaviour of waxes.