Fracture toughness evaluation of zirconia ceramics using nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish chevron-notched beam (CNB) finite element analysis (FEA) models to investigate the fracture toughness of zirconia ceramics. Methods: Experimental four-point flexural strength data (n = 9; previously published) for 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP; 3M Oral Care, Seefeld, Germany) were combined with numerical data (calculated using the inverse finite element method) to evaluate the input material properties of the CNB-FEA models. These models (n = 8) were then simulated and validated against the CNB test data of specimens with the same geometries (n = 8). The validation criteria included the margin of error, coefficient of determination, and linear regression. FEA was used to evaluate the volumetric strain distribution during deformation. Results: 3Y-TZP has static elastic modulus and fracture strain values of 144.5 GPa and 0.0056, respectively. The fracture toughness of the CNB-FEA models closely matched those of the corresponding test specimens (±3% error). Linear regression yielded a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.94 (P < 0.05), demonstrating an excellent predictive performance. The CNB-FEA models accurately reflected the actual fracture behaviors of the zirconia ceramics, with the volumetric strain localized at the notch tip. Conclusions: The volumetric strains of the CNB-FEA models could be determined using the FEA and measured four-point flexural strength data. Thus, CNB-FEA was found to be a valuable method for predicting the fracture toughness of zirconia ceramics.