Hardness and yield strength of dentin from simulated nano-indentation tests.

The finite element method (FEM) is applied for studying the hardness (H) and yield strength (Y) of dentin subjected to a nano-indentation process. The nano-indentation experiments were simulated with the ABAQUS finite element software package. This test, performed with a spherical indenter, was simulated by axisymmetric finite element analysis. The load versus displacement was calculated during loading-unloading sequence for different elastic modulus (E) and yield strength. Hardness and maximum principal compressive and tensile stresses were plotted for different elastic modulus depending on yield strength. The dentin was assumed to be isotropic, homogenous and elasto-plastic. The theoretical results outlined in this study were compared with the experimental works reported in the literature and then hardness and yield strength of dentin was estimated.