Finite element and experimental structural analysis of endodontic rotary file made of Cu-based single crystal SMA considering a micromechanical behavior model

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are widely used in endodontics as instruments for root canal preparation namely endodontic rotary files. Despite their high performances, compared to stainless steel instruments, it is still possible enhance cutting efficiency by acting on shape and material properties. As an example, increasing the exhibited reversible martensitic transformation strain makes them more flexible without decreasing mechanical strength. It becomes with single crystal SMAs. Cu-based (Cu-Al-Be, Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Al-Mn) SMAs start emerging can reach about 12% of strain, addition interesting antimicrobial This study investigates, both numerically experimentally, development files made The numerical analysis carried out finite element method. geometry instrument parameterized. Depending applied boundary conditions, bending, torsion, or combined bending-torsion loadings represented. A micromechanical constitutive law implemented Abaqus via UMAT subroutine describe thermomechanical behavior SMA. Following thus obtained results, Coltene-Micromega company has manufactured file prototypes Cu-Al-Be specific setup applying same conditions torsion-bending loading characterize these SMA prototypes. good agreement between experimental responses, a loading, proves relevance proposed approach pertinence considering applications.