Experimental occlusal mechanics as a tool for analysing biomechanical functional determinations - Experimental simulation of the dental mucosa

The development of the biomechanical fundamentals of occlusion mechanics is being advanced through the implementation of design engineering methods on biomechanical issues. The modelling of force curves in the enamel of herbivore molars is being investigated in high-resolution computer simulations using the finite element method in collaboration with Prof. U. Witzel, Ruhr University Bochum.

Mechanical and hydraulic occlusion machines make it possible to experimentally modify parameters of the occlusion act on the ungulate and primate molar, such as occlusion pressure, chewing amplitude and food abrasiveness, and to reproduce these under standardised conditions.