Abstract
A three-dimentional finite element model of a human mandible was presented, which is tended to make clear the mandible fracture mechanism. In making a numerical analysis, lateral and vertical loads were applied changing direction on the finite clement model of the human mandible. The tendency of the fracture was valuated for each case. Then, it was observed that in many cases the fracture was caused at the condylar process, and at the portion where the loads were applied to the inner side, fractures tended to be severer on the inner side than on the outer side. It was shown that the location and direction of loading were important factors to determine the fracture tendency.
