Image-based meshing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:08, 13 November 2013

Revision as of 16:59, 11 February 2014

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'''Image-based meshing''' is the automated process of creating computer models for [[computational fluid dynamics]] (CFD) and [[Finite element method|finite element analysis]] (FEA) from 3D image data (such as [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), [[computed tomography]] (CT) or [[microtomography]]). Although a wide range of mesh generation techniques are currently available, these were usually developed to generate models from [[computer-aided design]] (CAD), and have therefore have difficulties meshing from 3D imaging data.

==Mesh generation from 3D imaging data==

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An extensive range of [[image processing]] tools can be used to generate highly accurate models based on data from 3D imaging modalities, e.g. MRI, CT, MicroCT (XMT), and Ultrasound. Features of particular interest include:

* [[Segmentation (image processing)|Segmentation tools]] (e.g. thresholding, floodfill, level set methods, etc.)

* [[Smoothing|Filters and smoothing tools]] (e.g. volume- and topology-preserving smoothing and noise reduction/artefact removing).

===Volume and surface mesh generation===

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* Mapping functions to apply material properties based on signal strength (e.g. [[Young's modulus]] to [[Hounsfield scale]])

* Smoothing of meshes (e.g. topological preservation of data to ensure preservation of connectivity, and volume neutral smoothing to prevent shrinkage of convex hulls)

* Export to FEA and CFD codes for analysis (e.g. nodesnode sets, shell elements, material properties, contact surfaces)

==Typical use==

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* [[Paleontology]] and [[Morphology (biology)|functional morphology]]

* [[Reverse engineering]]

* [[Soil science]] and [[petrology]]

* [[Petrophysics]]

==References==