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By computed tomography data (CT), the individual geometry of the mandible is quite well reproduced, also the separation between cortical and trabecular bone. Using anatomical knowledge about the architecture and the functional potential of the masticatory muscles, realistic situations were approximated. The solution of the underlying partial differential equations describing linear elastic material behaviour is provided by an adaptive finite element method. Estimations of the discretization error, local grid refinement, and multilevel techniques guarantee the reliability and efficiency of the method.
The correlation of the inner architecture of bone and its functional loading was already stated by Wolff in 1892. Our objective is to demonstrate this interdependence in the case of the human mandible. For this purpose, stress/strain profiles occuring at a human lateral bite were simulated. Additionally, by a combination of computer graphics modules, a three--dimensional volumetric visualization of bone mineral density could be given. Qualitative correspondences between the density profile of the jaw and the simulated stress/strain profiles could be pointed out. In the long run, this might enable the use of the simulation for diagnosis and prognosis. The solution of the underlying partial differential equations describing linear elastic material behaviour was provided by an adaptive finite element method. Estimates of the discretization errors, local grid refinement, and multilevel techniques guaranteed the reliability and efficiency of the method.