Finite element modeling from CT scan data

The authors describe an automated method for building finite element models. The algorithm obtains binary image data from CT scans taken on an Elscint Exel 2400 Elite scanner, and manipulates the data into a format accepted by PATRAN. The set of data is a cylinder with a smaller cylinder of a different density inserted in one end. This geometry is a very simplified approximation of the femur/implant scenario. The data manipulation algorithm runs on a 286 PC, and PATRAN is used on a VaxStation 3100. It took an experienced user less than one hour to import over 750 grid points into PATRAN.<
>