Wu M, Augthun M, Wagner L, Sahm P R

Abstract: Titanium, with its excellent biocompatibilty, in conjunction with its mechanical and electrochemical properties is well recognized as the most promising biomaterial in surgery and dentistry for prostheses and implants. However, due to its high affinity for oxygen at elevated temperatures, volumetric contraction during solidification and low density, it is a difficult alloy to cast. This paper describes the use of numerical simulation to model both mold filling and solidification. The shrinkage porosity was quantitatively predicted, along with potential flaws associated with filling. A number of figures illustrate the results obtained by modeling.

Keywords:Casting, Numerical simulation, Mechanical properties, Electrochemical properties, Dentistry, Prostheses, Implants.