Failure of Complex Biomechanical Structures

在生物系统中，无论是自然的还是人工的，都充满了层状结构。有关这些系统寿命的问题对我们老龄化社会的生活质量和经济福利至关重要。我们的项目将分析脆性层系统的损伤，模拟牙冠结构。我们现在正处于了解这些结构如何失效的关键时刻，并开始做出实质性的预测，以改进延长寿命的设计。该项目通过美国更广泛的NIH项目与牙科社区和国际冠材料制造商联系在一起。该项目改进的材料和冠设计将对包括澳大利亚在内的世界产生影响。

Layer structures are replete in biological systems, both natural and artificial. Issues concerning the lifetime of such systems are paramount to the quality of life and economic well being of our aging society. Our project will analyse damage in brittle layer systems that simulate dental crown structures. We are now at a critical point in the understanding of how these structures fail, and are beginning to make substantive predictions to improve designs for prolonged life. The project is connected to the dental community and international crown material manufacturers through a broader NIH project in the USA. The improved materials and crown designs resulting from this project will have impact worldwide, including Australia.