Effect of hydration and crack orientation on crack-tip strain, crack opening displacement and crack-tip shielding in elephant dentin

The crack-resistance of dentin, as the major constituent of teeth and tusk, is a subject of considerable biomechanical interest. The resistance of a material to crack propagation (its fracture toughness) is related to intrinsic and extrinsic toughening mechanisms. Extrinsic toughening mechanisms operate primarily behind the crack tip by introducing crack-tip shielding, which reduces the local stress intensity actually experienced at the crack tip. Intrinsic toughening mechanisms operate ahead of the crack tip and contribute to the material's inherent resistance to crack growth [1].
Source: Dental Materials - Category: Materials Science Authors: Source Type: research