Application of CT scanning, Matlab and Pro/E scientific calculation software in the construction of three-dimensional finite element model of mandibular second premolar

Aim: To investigate an easier and more precise method for reconstruction of three-dimensional(3D) finite element model of mandibular second premolar crown. Methods: The experiment was conducted in the laboratory for Department of Prosthodontics, College of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, and laboratory for Department of Applied Mathematics, Xi' an University of Technology from May to October 2004. Thin-layer CT scanning, Matlab and Pro/E scientific calculation software were combined with Ansys software specialized for 3D finite element analysis to process 41 pieces of CT faultage images of mandibular second premolars. Results: The constructed 3D finite element model of mandibular second premolar was more precise and widely used. Conclusion: Combined usage of thin-layer CT scanning, Matlab and Pro/E scientific calculation software makes the constructed model more precise in a higher reconstruction speed, which will provide an effective method for oral professionals to participate in the research of finite element easily and directly.