Use of advanced techniques to directly create finite element models of biological objects

Various efficient finite element modelling packages are available commercially. However, for applications in biomedical engineering which require the use very complex models, the limits of most of these program packages will be reached quickly or they can only be applied with strong restrictions in terms of functionality. An image acquisition/modelling/analysis system has been developed, which considerably reduces the time consumed in the creation of finite element models of human body parts taking into account the real patient's anatomy. The system covers the following components: (1) an image processing system for the direct creation of 3D geometric data of biological objects; (2) software translating 3D geometric data into CAD-related geometric models; and (3) coupling of the created CAD models with mesh generation and mesh refinement techniques for the creation of realistic finite element models.