Determination of elastic properties of metal alloys and dental porcelains.

This study aimed to determine Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio of some metal alloys and dental porcelains used in fixed prosthodontics using the technique of impulse excitation of vibration. It also aimed to compare Young's modulus values of these materials with those obtained using the other two methods: the four-point flexural test and the indentation test using the ultra micro-indentation system (UMIS). Five types of metal alloys and four types of dental porcelains were tested. The samples were prepared to a rectangular shape of approximately 8 x 30 x 1.5 mm. Frequency of vibration in a sample was read when a singular elastic strike was made with an impulse tool. The elastic constants were calculated from the frequency of vibration, dimension and mass of each sample. Young's modulus values resulting from the impulse excitation of vibration are not significantly different (P<0.05) from those obtained using the flexural test and the UMIS test in most metal alloys but are different in titanium, titanium alloy and most of the dental porcelains. The technique of impulse excitation of vibration has proven to be an accurate method and is simple to operate. The elastic properties of these alloys and porcelains are essential for determining the other mechanical properties (fracture toughness) and are relevant in clinical application.