Image-based meshing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:04, 11 August 2009

Revision as of 14:09, 11 August 2009

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'''Image-based meshing''' is opening up exciting new possibilities for the application of computational continuum mechanics (numerical methods such as [[Computational fluid dynamics]] (CFD) and [[Finite element method|Finite Element analysis]] to problems in [[Biomechanics]], [[Soil mechanics]], [[Characterization (materials science)|Material characterization]], and [[Nondestructive testing]]. Meshing techniques that can rapidly generate robust, high quality meshes from complex 3D image data, as can be obtained from [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), [[Computed tomography]] (CT) or [[Microtomography]] for example, are increasingly in demand. Different methods of generating the required volume discretizations directly and robustly from the image data have been developed, however there are a range of issues related to image processing and mesh generation which still need to be addressed.

==Mesh generation from 3D imaging data==

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===Scan and image processing===

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 tools [Link to: [Segmentation (image processing)|Segmentation tools]] (e.g. Thesholding, Floodfill, Level set methods, etc.)

• [[Smoothing|Filters and Smoothing tools [Link to: Smoothing]] (e.g. Volume and topology preserving smoothing).

===Volume and surface mesh generation===

The Image-based meshing technique allows the straightforward generation of meshes out of segmented 3D data. Features of particular interest include:

• Multi-part meshing (mesh any number of structures simultaneously)

• 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. nodes, elements, material properties, contact surfaces)

==Typical use==

• [[Biomechanics]] and design of [[Implant (medicine)|Medical and dental implants [Link to: Implant (medicine)]]

• [[Food sciences]]

• [[Forensic science]]

• [[Materials science]] (composites and foams)

• [[Nondestructive testing]] (NDT)

• [[Paleontology]] and Functional morphology [Link to: [Morphology (biology)|Functional morphology]]

• [[Reverse engineering]]

• [[Soil science]] and [[Petrology]]

==Publications==

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==External links==

Simpleware Ltd. ([http://www.simpleware.com) www.simpleware.com]