Tooth enamel may hold the key to the future of aerospace

Sample News Big
It may seem the stuff of dreams but a new study has revealed that the make-up of tooth enamel may hold the key for aerospace engineers who endeavour to create the aeroplane and space vehicles of tomorrow. 
This amazing revelation is that of Professor and aerospace engineer Herzl Chai of Tel Aviv University’s School of Mechanical Engineering, working alongside colleagues at the George Washington University. 
The research team carried out testing on hundreds of extracted teeth, in which differing levels of mechanical force were applied in order to see what affect this had on the teeth.
Professor Chai believes the findings demonstrate the extremely sophisticated composite nature of teeth when put under pressure.
“Teeth exhibit graded mechanical properties and a cathedral-like geometry, and over time they develop a network of micro-cracks which help diffuse stress.”
“This, and the tooth’s in-built ability to heal micro-cracks over time, prevents it from fracturing into large pieces.”
Professor Chai proposes that aerospace engineers should try to find a way to incorporate the ability of tooth enamel to prevent cracks developing into larger pieces and its capacity to heal. 
However, Professor Chai says that it is not only aerospace that could benefit from such research as the findings could also be used to improve the quality of dental fittings, giving them a greater level of force resistance.
Join this Discussion

Comments are closed.