Mesh generation of hip joint bones model: Methods and programs

Mesh generation is an important step in finite element analysis, and the element quality severely affects the accuracy of solution. In this study, rapid 3D Delaunay inserting method is applied to a hip joint model. On the basis of the analysis on loss of boundary and the intersect case between units, the segmentation method is employed to conduct boundary recovery for the femur and hipbone model. After restoring boundary, the length to height ratio is acted as test standard to assess the mesh quality, and the decomposition method is adopted to eliminate slivers in order to improve the quality of mesh. Finally, the mesh model of femur is applied to finite element analysis. The simulation data are compared with the experimental data and the results prove that the program is efficient and the mesh model can meet the requirements of practical application.