Stress analysis of clasps made of glass fiber-reinforced composite material using three-dimensional finite element method : Influence of shape in cross and longitudinal sections of circumferential clasp arms

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different cross-sectional shapes and presence of taper on stress distribution in clasp arms made of glass fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) material. Stress analysis of clasps was performed under a constant load (5 N) using a three-dimensional finite element method with due consideration to the anisotropy of unidirectional FRC material. Results were then compared with clasp arms made of metal-an isotropic material. It was found that both FRC clasps and metal clasps yielded similar results. As for the displacement of clasp arms with a basic cross-sectional shape under a load of 5 N, the amount of displacement showed that FRC clasps provided sufficient retentive force required for clinical application.