The influence of system compliance and sample geometry on composite polymerization shrinkage stress.

The objective of this study was to use finite-element analysis to model tensilometer tests of polymerizing dental composites. A typical sample in polymerization shrinkage stress tests is shaped like a flat disk, that is, has a high aspect ratio (ratio of diameter to height). In the experimental literature it is implied that the induced stress state in the flat disk composite samples is uniaxial.