Mechanical Properties

DR AHMED MAGDY
Mechanical properties
They are a group of physical properties that describe the behavior of
materials under force or load.
Force
On applying force on a body, it may cause:
1. Displacement
Force
On applying force on a body, it may cause:
1.
2.
Acceleration 3.
Force
On applying force on a body, it may cause:
1.
2.
3. Deformation
Force
Force is defined by:
1. Speed: static or dynamic force
2.
3.
4.
Force
Force is defined by:
1. Speed: static or dynamic force
2. Magnitude
3. Point of application. Normal or
Tangential
4. Direction
Force
Force is defined by:
1.
2. Magnitude
3.
4.
Force
Force is defined by:
1.
2.
1. Point of application. Normal or
Tangential
2. Direction
Stress
Definition:

 It is an internal reaction to the external

applied force.

 It is equal in intensity and opposite in

direction to external force.
Stress
Definition:

As both the applied force and stress are distributed over an area so:

Stress = Force/Area

σ = F/A
Stress
Definition:

The stress cannot be measured directly

It is measured by measuring the applied force and the area are

measured then calculated by

σ = F/A
Stress
Unit:

Pa = N/m2,

MPa = MN/m2

Ib/in2
Stress
Factors affecting stress:

1. Force  varies directly

2. Area  varies inversely

Stress
Types of Stress:

1. Tensile stress

2. Compressive stress

3. Shear stress

4. Complex stresses
1. Tensile Stress
 2 sets of forces.
 On the same line
 Away from each others
 Cause  elongation
2. Compressive Stress
 2 sets of forces.
 On the same line
 Toward from each others
 Cause  shortening
3. Shear Stress
 2 sets of forces.
 Not on the same line (parallel)
 Toward from each others
 Cause  sliding or tearing
4. Complex stresses
Combination between 2 or more types of stresses

The stresses in oral cavity are complex

Strain
The stress causes distortion or
deformation.
Strain
Definition:
It is the change in length per unit length.
Strain = Deformation ε= l final – l original
Original l original
length
Strain
Unit:
mm/mm = dimensionless
Strain
Types of Strain::

a) Each type of stress can produce corresponding strain i.e: tensile

strain, compressive strain …..
Strain
Types of Strain:

a) Each type may be:

i. Elastic Strain (Temporary Strain): recovered after load removal

ii. Plastic Strain (Permanent Strain): not recovered after load

removal
Elastic Plastic
Stress-Strain curve:
 In order to study the properties of the material of dental interest,
stress is applied over the material and the value of strain is
recorded.

 Stress is plotted in the vertical axis.

 Strain is plotted in the horizontal axis.

Engineering Vs True stress strain curve
During tension, there is a reduction in cross section of
the bar.
If this change is ignored  engineering curve It this
change is calculated  true curve.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain curve:

1. Proportional limit:

It the greatest stress the material can withstand without deviation from
Hook’s law or the law of proportionality between stress and strain:

If stress is doubled  the strain is doubled

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Proportional limit:
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
2. Elastic limit:

It is the greatest stress the material can withstand without

permanent deformation.

The proportional limit and the elastic limit represent the same
value. They differ in the fundamental concept.
 Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
3. Yield strength:

The stress at which the material begins to function in a plastic manner

(permanent deformation).

The amount of permanent deformation is arbitrarily selected (may be 0.1%,

0.2% or 0.5%) (Called percent offset)
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
4. Ultimate strength:

The maximum stress the material can withstand before fracture

Yield strength is more important than ultimate strength

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
4. Ultimate strength:
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
4. Ultimate strength:

Yield strength is more important than ultimate strength because It

represents a functional failure (clinical failure) of restoration

(The restoration can’t be used in patient mouth)

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
5. Fracture strength:

It is the stress at which the material will fracture.

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
6. Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) “E”:

It is the constant of proportionality between stress and strain

It represents the stiffness of the material within the elastic range

It represents the slop of the elastic portion of the stress-strain curve

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
6. Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) “E”:

Equation: E=σ/ε

Unit: MPa or kg/cm2 or Ib/in2

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
6. Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) “E”:

It is not change either tested under tensile of compressive test

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) “E”:

It depends on:

1. Inter atomic or intermolecular forces of the material

2. Composition of the material.

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) “E”:

It is independent on:

1. Heat treatment

2. Mechanical treatment
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) “E”:

Dental Importance:

a) Denture base should be constructed of a rigid material to be

used in thinner sections without the risk of bending.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
6. Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) “E”:

Dental Importance:

b) Long span bridges are constructed of a rigid material to allow

proper stress distribution.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
6. Modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) “E”:

Dental Importance:

c) Rigid base should be used under

restorative filling material to increase the
fracture resistance of the filling.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
7. Flexibility

The maximum strain that occurs when the material is stressed to its
proportional limit.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Flexibility

Clinical Importance:

a. Flexibility of Elastic impression

materials indicates easily removal
from the mouth.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
7. Flexibility

Clinical Importance:

b. Clasps of partial denture should

be flexible to be easily removed
from the tooth undercuts.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
7. Flexibility

Clinical Importance:

c. Flexibility of endodontic files provides easily

preparation of curved root canals.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Brittleness:

 The brittle material is the material that

show no or very little plastic
deformation.

 Brittle materials are weak in tension but

strong in compression.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Brittleness:

 Brittle materials fracture by crack and crack

propagation.

 Dental amalgam compressive strength is 6 times higher

than tension strength.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Malleability and ductility:

 Malleability  The ability of metal or alloy to be hammered into thin

sheets without fracture (withstand compressive stresses).

 Ductility  The ability of metal or alloy to withstand tensile stresses

(drawn into wire) (withstand tensile stresses).
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Malleability and ductility:

 These are properties of metals and alloys

 They indicate the workability e.g.: The burnishability of the

alloys
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. % Elongation:

 It is the deformation resulted from application of tensile forces

 It is an indication of the workability of alloys

% elongation = (increase in length)/(original length) x 10

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. % Elongation:

 Dental importance:

a. Dental gold alloys % elongation = 20 %  ductile

b. Nickel-chromium alloys % elongation = 1 %  brittle.

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
Brittle fracture Ductile fracture
Occurs in brittle materials as Occurs in ductile materials as
composite resin and ceramics metals
The material shows no or little The material shows great plastic
plastic deformation deformation
Characterized by crack and crack Characterized by necking
propagation
 Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Resilience

 It is the amount of energy needed to deform the material to its

proportional limit.

 This energy is stored energy because when the load is removed the
energy is released causing complete recovery of the deformed material.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Resilience

 It is represented by area
under the straight portion
of the stress-strain curve
 Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Resilience

Dental importance:

a. It is important in orthodontic wires as they store

energy and release it over a required time to move
teeth.
 Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
10. Resilience

Dental importance:

b. In removable dentures, acrylic teeth are more resilient

than porcelain teeth. Therefore, they absorb
masticatory forces and transmit less force over the
residual ridges.
 Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
10. Resilience

Dental importance:

c. Resilience of mouth guard allows

absorption of undue energy and

protection of teeth from damage.

Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Toughness:

 It is the amount of energy required to stress the material to

fracture.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Toughness:

 It is represented by the area under the elastic and plastic

portions of stress-strain curve.

 It is calculated graphically by calculating the number of squares

X area of each square.
 Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
11. Toughness:
 It is calculated graphically by calculating the number of squares
X area of each square.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Fracture Toughness:

 It is the amount of energy

required to fracture the
material in the presence of
cracks or flaws.
 Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Fracture Toughness:

 Crack act as a stress concentration factor  less forces are needed to

fracture the material.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Fracture Toughness:

 It is more obvious in the brittle materials as the ductile

material can be plastically deform and redistribute the stresses.
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
1. Fracture Toughness:

Dental importance:

1. Presence of fillers in resin

composites deflect cracks.

2. Presence of crystalline phases of

ceramics deflect cracks
Properties gained from Stress-Strain
curve:
12. Fracture Toughness:

Dental importance:

3. Presence of zirconia
particles heal cracks.
 Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Diametral Compression Test (Brazilian Test) (Indirect Tensile Test):

It is used to determine the tensile strength of brittle materials in an

indirect way.

A compression load is applied on a cylindrical specimen, so tensile

stresses are introduced in a perpendicular plane on the applied load.
 Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:

1. Diametral Compression Test (Brazilian Test) (Indirect Tensile

Test):
σ = 2P / πDT
P: load
D: diameter
T: thickness
 Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Transverse strength (Modulus of rupture) (Flexure strength) (Three-
point loading):

Simple Beam is supported at both ends, and subjected to static load in

the middle.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Transverse strength (Modulus of rupture) (Flexure strength) (Three-
point loading):

The test gives the flexural strength and the accompanied

deformation.
 Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Transverse strength (Modulus of rupture) (Flexure strength) (Three-
point loading):

 S = 3PL / 2bd2
S: Flexure strength P: load
L: distance between supports
B: breadth of the specimen (width) D: Depth of the
specimen (thickness)
 Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
2. Transverse strength (Modulus of rupture) (Flexure strength) (Three-
point loading):
The deformation is more important as it represent the functional failure of
the restoration

 Deformation = PL3 / 4Ebd3

S: Flexure strength P: load
L: distance between supports E: modulus of elasticity
B: breadth of the specimen (width) D: Depth of the specimen (thickness)
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
2. Transverse strength (Modulus of rupture) (Flexure strength)
(Three-point loading):

Deformation = PL3 / 4Ebd3

The length and thickness are the most affecting factors in

deformation. Deformation is related to the cube of length and
thickness.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Transverse strength (Modulus of rupture) (Flexure strength)
(Three-point loading):
Dental importance:

a. It is important in denture base and long span bridges design as

the deformation is varies with cube of length and thickness of
the beam.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
2. Transverse strength (Modulus of rupture) (Flexure strength)
(Three-point loading):
Dental importance:

b. The operator should choose a material with high modulus of

elasticity to avoid its deformation during service.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Cantilever Bending:

 The sample is clamped at one end and load is applied on the other
free end.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Cantilever Bending:

 As the force increase, the angle of bending increased.

 Curve is drawn with bending moment versus angle of bending

Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
3. Cantilever Bending:

Dental importance:

The bending properties is very important in

endodontic files
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:

4. Fatigue strength:

Definition:

It is the stress at which the material

fracture progressively under repeated
cycling loading.
 Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
4. Fatigue strength:

Definition:

.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Fatigue strength:

 Fatigue strength test is performed by subjecting the specimen

to repeated cyclic stresses under the proportional limit until
fracture.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Fatigue strength:

 If the applied stress is high  the material needs less cycles of

load.

 If the applied stress is lowered  the materials needs more

cycles of load to fracture
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Fatigue strength:

 Until a stress the material

will not fracture with
infinite numbers of cycles
and called endurance limit
or fatigue limit.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Fatigue strength:

 Dental importance:

The dental materials should have fatigue limit above the

masticatory forces to withstand unlimited numbers of cyclic
loading.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Impact strength:

 Definition:

 The energy required to fracture the material under sudden

impact force.
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Impact strength:
 Test principles:
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Impact strength:
 Test principles:
Other Mechanical Properties and Tests:
1. Impact strength:
 Test :
1) Charpy test:
The specimen is supported at both ends and struck at the middle.
2) Izod Test:
The specimen is supported at one end and struck at the other end.
Surface Mechanical Properties
1. Hardness:
Definition:
It is the resistance to permanent indentation, penetration or
scratching.
Surface Mechanical Properties
1. Hardness:
Test principles:

The hard materials are difficult to be penetrated, so they resist the

action of the indenter (produce little indentation).

The hardness tests differ in the indenter shape and material

Surface Mechanical Properties
1. Hardness: Test principles:
Surface Mechanical Properties
1.
Hardness:
Tests: 1. Vicker
1. Brinell s
2. Rockwell 2. Knoop
3. Shore A
Surface Mechanical Properties
1. Hardness:
Dental Importance:
1. Natural teeth should not be opposed by harder material as
porcelain.
Surface Mechanical Properties
1. Hardness:
Dental Importance:
2. Avoid scratch of soft materials as model and die.
 Surface Mechanical Properties
1. Hardness:
Dental Importance:
3. Restorative hard materials are difficult to polish, but they preserve their
polished surface.
Surface Mechanical Properties
2. Wear:

Definition:

It is loss of material resulting from mechanical action.

Surface Mechanical Properties
1. Wear:

Types:

a. Physiologic: normal mastication leads to wear of the teeth.

b. Mechanical: improper use of toothbrush.

c. Pathologic: bruxism.
Surface Mechanical Properties
2. Wear:

Dental importance:

It is undesirable process except in polishing.

Viscoelasticity
 Some materials are affected by rate of loading  So different
rate of loading leading to different stress-strain curves to same
material.
Viscoelasticity
 The viscoelastic materials:

Slow rate of loading  behave in a ductile manner. Rapid rate of loading 

behave in a brittle manner.

Viscoelasticity
 The viscoelastic materials exhibit combination of three behaviors:

a) Ideal elastic

b) Anelastic

c) Ideal viscous
Viscoelasticity
When stress is removed
Complete recovery Complete recovery No recovery
Immediate Needs time
Strain not depends on Strain depends on Strain depends on
time time time
Viscoelasticity
Viscoelastic behavior:
1. When stress is applied:
 Immediate strain (elastic part).
 Gradual increase in strain (anelastic
and viscous parts).
Viscoelasticity
Viscoelastic behavior:
1. When stress is removed:
 Immediate recovery (elastic part).
 Gradual recovery (anelastic part).
 Permanent deformation (viscous
part).
Viscoelasticity
Dental application:

1. Elastic impression materials  Should be removed rapidly from

patient mouth (sharp snap removal)

a) To decrease the deformation produced by viscous part.

b) To increase the tear strength of the impression material.

Viscoelasticity
Dental application:

2. Elastic impression materials:

Should have time before pouring with gypsum To give time for
recovery of the anelastic part.
Viscoelasticity
Dental application:

3. Creep

Definition:

It is time dependent permanent deformation as a result of long

stresses below yield strength.
Viscoelasticity
3. Creep

Conditions of creep:

1. Viscoelastic material.

2. Stresses below P.L.

3. Temperature near softening temperature.

Viscoelasticity
3. Creep

Dental application:

Polymers and dental amalgam are viscoelastic materials, have softening

temperature near the mouth temperature, so they can creep if stresses are
applied over them.
Thank You