Singularity-free finite element model of bone through automated voxel-based reconstruction

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) provides both anatomical and density information about tissues. Bone is segmented by raw images and Finite Element Method (FEM) voxel-based meshing technique is achieved by matching each CT voxel to a single finite element (FE). As a consequence of the automated model reconstruction, unstable elements – i.e. elements insufficiently anchored to the whole model and thus potentially involved in partial rigid body motion – can be generated, a crucial problem in obtaining consistent FE models, hindering mechanical analyses. Through the classification of instabilities on topological connections between elements, a numerical procedure is proposed in order to avoid unconstrained models.

Keywords::

• voxel-based
• FEM
• DICOM
• automated model reconstruction
• singularity
• instability

Notes

^1. Email: [email protected]

^2. Email: [email protected]

^3. Email: [email protected]