Developing and Optimizing a Finite Element Model of Phalange Using CT Images

Abstract

It is very important to construct the three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the human skeleton for research on the mechanism of skeleton blunt-impact injury and on the assessment of injury severity. A feasible and efficient method of the skeleton finite element modeling using CT images was proposed in the paper. There are many problems during the FEA processing of complex models such as distortions of the element, numerical divergence. Three methods of mesh optimization based on stereolithography (STL) were provided. According to the analysis on the complexity of the ANSYS processing and the precision of the result, the optimizing process of developing a finite element model of phalange was proposed. The described method can generate detailed and valid three dimensional finite element model of phalange with different inner constructions and complex geometry. This method is rapid and can readily be used for other medical applications.