Singularity-free finite element model of bone through automated voxel-based reconstruction. Issue 3 (17th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Esposito, L.; Bifulco, P.; Gargiulo, P.; Fraldi, M.
• Is Part Of: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering. Volume 19:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2016-02-17
• Subjects: voxel-based -- FEM -- DICOM -- automated model reconstruction -- singularity -- instability; Biomechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- methods -- Periodicals; Computing Methodologies -- Periodicals; 612.7
• DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2015.1014347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1025-5842

Abstract

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.