Abstract
In this article, we present the design and validation of a non-contact scanning system for the development of a three-dimensional (3D) model of moist biological samples. Due to the irregular shapes and low stiffness of soft tissue samples, the use of a non-contact, reliable geometry scanning system with good accuracy and repeatability is required. We propose a reliable 3D scanning system consisting of a blue light profile sensor, stationary and rotating frames with stepper motors, gears and a five-phase stepping motor unit, single-axis robot, control system, and replaceable sample grips, which once mounted onto the sample, are used for both scanning and mechanical tests. The proposed system was validated by comparison of the cross-sectional areas calculated based on 3D models, digital caliper, and vision-based methods. Validation was done on regularly-shaped samples, a wooden twig, as well as tendon fascicle bundles. The 3D profiles were used for the development of the 3D computational model of the sample, including surface concavities. Our system allowed for 3D model development of samples with a relative error of less than 1.2% and high repeatability in approximately three minutes. This was crucial for the extraction of the mechanical properties and subsequent inverse analysis, enabling the calibration of complex material models.
Highlights
Biomedical imaging is an integral component in the study of soft tissue biomechanics.Advancement in three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques of various biological tissues allows enhanced understanding of their physiology, structure, and biomechanical properties
Samples were mounted on replaceable inserts, which were fitted to the 3D scanning system, as well as the tensile machine
We described the development and validation of a novel 3D scanning system based on the blue laser profile sensor for the measurement of shapes and cross-sectional area (CSA) of soft biological samples
Summary
Advancement in three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques of various biological tissues (e.g., tendons, muscle, skin) allows enhanced understanding of their physiology, structure, and biomechanical properties. It is necessary to analyze the shape and structure of biological samples from these tissues to determine their mechanical behavior and fully understand the relationship between structure and function in these tissues. Accurate measurement of specimen shape is crucial in the determination of its mechanical properties, since an incorrectly assumed geometry generates significant discrepancies in the material parameters extracted from experiments. Determination of material model parameters such as elastic modulus, ultimate strength, yield stress, stress relaxation, and other viscoelastic properties based on tensile or fatigue tests requires knowledge of the cross-sectional area (CSA) or shape of the whole sample in the case of inhomogeneous deformation of the specimen
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
