In-situ optical approach to predict mixed mode fracture in a polymeric biomaterial

The present article promotes the usage of the digital image correlation (DIC) technique to determine the in-situ stress and predict the onset of fracture in a cracked dental biomaterial sample. For this purpose, the elastic and fracture properties of the dental material are measured via the DIC method. To perform mixed mode fracture experiments, a modified single edge notched bend (SENB) specimen with varying crack length is introduced and utilised. From the theoretical point of view, we next implement a stress-based fracture criterion and combine it with two different critical distance models. In this regard, the in-situ stress is formulated using the data from the DIC analysis conjugated with a supervised learning algorithm. Finally, the crack growth angle and fracture load for the tested biomaterial specimens are estimated, the comparison of which with the experimental measurements reveals good correlation.

Automated summary

This article promotes the usage of digital image correlation (DIC) technique for determining in-situ stress and predicting fracture in cracked dental biomaterial samples. The elastic and fracture properties of the dental material are measured using DIC method, and a modified single edge notched bend (SENB) specimen with varying crack length is utilized for mixed mode fracture experiments. A stress-based fracture criterion is implemented and combined with two different critical distance models. In-situ stress is calculated using DIC analysis data and supervised learning algorithm, and the crack growth angle and fracture load for the tested biomaterial specimens are estimated, showing good correlation with experimental measurements.