Gaussian curvature analysis allows for automatic block placement in multi-block hexahedral meshing

Abstract

Musculoskeletal finite element analysis (FEA) has been essential to research in orthopaedic biomechanics. The generation of a volumetric mesh is often the most challenging step in a FEA. Hexahedral meshing tools that are based on a multi-block approach rely on the manual placement of building blocks for their mesh generation scheme. We hypothesise that Gaussian curvature analysis could be used to automatically develop a building block structure for multi-block hexahedral mesh generation. The Automated Building Block Algorithm incorporates principles from differential geometry, combinatorics, statistical analysis and computer science to automatically generate a building block structure to represent a given surface without prior information. We have applied this algorithm to 29 bones of varying geometries and successfully generated a usable mesh in all cases. This work represents a significant advancement in automating the definition of building blocks.

Keywords:

• finite element
• hexahedral meshing
• multi-block
• Gaussian curvature
• orthopaedic modelling

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr Marc Pizzimenti for making the human skeleton available and also the help of Kristin Brandt.

Notes

1. Email: [email protected]

2. Email: [email protected]

3. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Austin J. Ramme

1

Kiran H. Shivanna

2

Vincent A. Magnotta

3