P.G. Young

An efficient approach to converting three-dimensional image data into highly accurate computational models.

Image-based meshing is opening up exciting new possibilities for the application of computational continuum mechanics methods (finite-element and computational fluid dynamics) to a wide range of biomechanical and biomedical problems that were previously intractable owing to the difficulty in obtaining suitably realistic models. Innovative surface and volume mesh generation techniques have recently been developed, which convert three-dimensional imaging data, as obtained from magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, micro-CT and ultrasound, for example, directly into meshes suitable for use in physics-based simulations. These techniques have several key advantages, including the ability to robustly generate meshes for topologies of arbitrary complexity (such as bioscaffolds or composite micro-architectures) and with any number of constituent materials (multi-part modelling), providing meshes in which the geometric accuracy of mesh domains is only dependent on the image accuracy (image-based accuracy) and the ability for certain problems to model material inhomogeneity by assigning the properties based on image signal strength. Commonly used mesh generation techniques will be compared with the proposed enhanced volumetric marching cubes (EVoMaCs) approach and some issues specific to simulations based on three-dimensional image data will be discussed. A number of case studies will be presented to illustrate how these techniques can be used effectively across a wide range of problems from characterization of micro-scaffolds through to head impact modelling.

Functional morphology of spinosaur ‘crocodile-mimic’ dinosaurs

Abstract Spinosaurid theropod dinosaurs appear to represent convergent morphological evolution toward a crocodylian-like cranial morphology, previously linked to the possibility that spinosaurs adopted a similar, partially piscivorous, trophic niche. Further conclusions are hindered by a lack of quantitative evidence, and an incomplete understanding of the functional significance of key crocodylian cranial characters. A comparative biomechanical analysis of function in the snout of the spinosaurid theropod Baryonyx walkeri has been performed, comparing B. walkeri with a generalised large theropod dinosaur and two extant crocodylians (Alligator, Gavialis) that represent different endpoints of extant crocodylian morphological diversity. The aims of the analysis were (a) to determine which group is the closest functional analogue to B. walkeri, and (b) investigate the mechanical influence on cranial function of the antorbital fenestra and the secondary palate; morphological characters that appear to be of importance in both crocodyliform and spinosaur functional morphology. Results demonstrate that the closest structural and biomechanical analogue to B. walkeri is the extant gharial, rather than the alligator or conventional theropods. The secondary palate confers strength to the alligator skull in torsion, but provides resistance to bending in gharials and B. walkeri. Loss of the antorbital fenestra strengthens narrow or tubular theropod and gharial snouts, but has limited influence on the broader-snouted alligator morphotypes. Consequently, with their large antorbital fenestrae and lack of secondary palate, most theropod skulls were surprisingly suboptimally constructed to resist feeding-related bite loads. The mechanical impetus for archosaur palatal development and fenestral closure appears more complex than previously thought.

On the flexural vibration of rectangular plates approached by using simple polynomials in the Rayleigh-Ritz method

Abstract Sets of simple polynomials are proposed for use as admissible functions in the Rayleigh-Ritz method, for the study of the flexural vibration of rectangular plates. The plates may be subject to a number of different complicating factors, including the presence of in-plane forces, concentrated masses, point and line spring supports and special orthotropy of the plate material. The sets of polynomials are shown to be equivalent to the orthogonally generated polynomials used very successfully in earlier studies but are more easily generated and the subsequent evaluation of the integrals in the resulting eigenvalue problem are more simply performed. Numerical results are presented for several problems, illustrating the applicability of the method and its accuracy.

Influence of different modeling strategies for the periodontal ligament on finite element simulation results

INTRODUCTION The finite element method is a promising tool to investigate the material properties and the structural response of the periodontal ligament (PDL). To obtain realistic and reproducible results during finite element simulations of the PDL, suitable bio-fidelic finite element meshes of the geometry are essential. METHODS In this study, 4 independent coworkers generated altogether 17 volume meshes (3-dimensional) based on the same high-resolution computed-tomography image data set of a tooth obtained in vivo to compare the influence of the different model generation techniques on the predicted response to loading for low orthodontic forces. RESULTS It was shown that the thickness of the PDL has a significant effect on initial tooth mobility but only a remarkably moderate effect on the observed stress distribution in the PDL. Both the tooth and the bone can be considered effectively rigid when exploring the response of the PDL under low loads. The effect of geometric nonlinearities could be neglected for the applied force system. CONCLUSIONS Most importantly, this study highlights the sensitivity of the finite element simulation results for accurate geometric reconstruction of the PDL.

An analytical model to predict the response of fluid-filled shells to impact—a model for blunt head impacts

An approximate analytical model to predict the response of a fluid-filled shell of arbitrary thickness impacting with a solid elastic sphere is proposed and the limits of applicability of the equations developed are discussed. The model is based on combining the Hertzian contact stiffness and the effective local membrane and bending stiffness to derive implicit expressions for global impact characteristics including the duration of impact, the peak force transmitted, peak global acceleration of shell and sphere, and the resultant pressures induced in the fluid. Closed-form explicit expressions are also derived to predict whether the pressure response in the fluid will be hydrostatic or will exhibit large dynamic transients of pressure (and shear strain). It should be noted that the impact of hollow/empty shells with solid spheres, as well as the impact of shells with an elastic half-space, can be straightforwardly treated as limiting cases. The model is of obvious relevance to head impact modelling and selected parametric studies of the response of fluid-filled shells with geometric and material properties about those typical for the human head are given.

Natural frequencies of circular and annular plates with radial or circumferential cracks

Abstract A Ritz solution is presented for the determination of the natural frequencies of free vibration of circular and annular plates with radial or circumferential cracks or slits through the full thickness. The approach uses a minimum number of sectorial plate elements which are joined together by means of artificial springs, the stiffness of which is permitted to become very high in order to satisfy the required continuity conditions. Numerical results are given for several plates for different crack positions and lengths. Through convergence studies and comparison with the few results available from the literature, the validity and accuracy of the solution is demonstrated.

On the mechanics of bacterial biofilms on non-dissolvable surgical sutures: A laser scanning confocal microscopy-based finite element study

Biofilms are bacterial communities encapsulated within a self-secreted extracellular polymeric substance and are responsible for a wide range of chronic medical device related infections. Understanding and addressing the conditions that lead to the attachment and detachment of biofilms from biomedical surfaces (orthopaedic implants, sutures, intravenous catheters, cardio-vascular stents) has the potential to identify areas of the device that might be more prone to infection and predict how and when biofilms might dislodge. In this study, an integrated software methodology was devised to create image-based microscopic finite element models of real biofilm colonies of Staphylococcus aureus attached to a fragment of surgical suture. The goal was to predict how deformation of the suture may lead to the potential detachment of biofilm colonies by solving the equations of continuum mechanics using the finite element method for various loading cases. Tension, torsion and bending of the biomaterial structure were simulated, demonstrating that small strains in the suture can produce surface shear stresses sufficient to trigger the sliding of biofilms over the suture surface. Applications of this technique to other medical devices are discussed.

Free vibration of a class of solids with cavities

Abstract The Ritz method is used to obtain an eigenvalue equation for the free vibration of a class of solids. Each solid is modelled by means of a segment which is described in terms of Cartesian coordinates and is bounded by the yz , zx and xy orthogonal coordinate planes as well as by two curved surfaces which are defined by polynomial expressions in the coordinates x , y and z . Simple algebraic polynomials which satisfy the boundary conditions at the five surfaces of the segment are used as trial functions. By exploiting symmetry, the range of problems which can be treated is substantially broadened and includes a variety of problems of significant interest in structural analysis, such as thick or very thick shells with various shaped cavities. In order to demonstrate the accuracy of the approach, natural frequencies are given for a sphere with a spherical cavity (a thick spherical shell) as calculated by using the present analysis and by using an exact formulation. The versatility of the approach is then demonstrated by the treatment of several other hollow solids of differing geometry, including a thick cylinder with end plates, a cubic box, a cube with a spherical cavity and a cylinder with a conical inclusion.

On the material characterization of a composite using micro CT image based finite element modeling

Novel techniques for generating robust and accurate meshes based on 3-D imaging data have recently been developed which make the prediction of macro-structural properties of composite structures based on micro-structural composition straightforward. The accuracy of reconstructions is a particular strong point of these new techniques with geometric accuracy only contingent on image quality. Algorithms developed and used are topology preserving, volume preserving and multi-part geometric models can be handled straightforwardly. In addition to modeling different constituent materials as separate mesh domains, material properties can be assigned based on signal strength in the parent image thereby providing a way of modeling continuous variations in properties for an inhomogeneous medium. These new techniques have been applied to the analysis of a ceramic matrix composite which was micro-CT scanned and the influence of imaging parameters on both predicted bulk properties and localized stresses has been explored. This paper utilizes the Computed Tomography (CT) as the NDE technique to characterize the initial matrix porositys locations and sizes in a Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) test specimen. Further, the Finite Element (FE) method is applied to calculate the localized stress field around these pores based on the geometric modeling of the specimens CT results, using image analysis, geometric modeling and meshing software, ScanIP/ScanFE [1]. The analyses will simulate experimental loading conditions where scanned specimens are then tensile tested to a 0.07 % total strain to identify the matrix cracking locations in relation to the original pores. Additional work is carried out combining the image processing and finite element to investigate the applicability of some novel meshing techniques. Finally, the calculated Finite Element [2-4] localized stress risers are compared with the observed matrix cracking locations. This work is expected to show that an FE model based on an accurate 3-D rendered model from a series of CT slices is an essential tool to quantify the effects of internal macroscopic defects of complex material systems such as CMCs.

Cfd Simulation Of Flow Through An Open Cell Foam

A sample of an open-celled plastic foam has been examined using a combination of experimental, microscopic and computational methods. The aim was to use image-based meshing techniques to generate for the first time geometrically faithful models of the microstructure of the foam, and to use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to compute flow properties and pressure drops across the sample. The microstructure of the foam was also investigated experimentally and using SEM to provide further information for the computational analysis. A comparison was made with existing experimental data on flows through foams, and the unit pressure drop was found to correlate with the flow speed in the appropriate manner.