Conformal, multi-material mesh generation from noisy labelled volumes – DeVIDE FE-Mesher / CVMesh

In orthopaedics, finite element models are used for simulating force distributions in hip prostheses and surrounding bone. Such simulations can predict fracture risk or implant instability.

Patient-specific finite element modelling requires robust methods for converting volumetric scan data such as CT or MRI to tetrahedral meshes. Almost all biomechanical models contain multiple materials with vastly different physical properties that are typically organized in complicated geometric configurations. Extracting precise geometric models of the interfaces between these materials is important both for visualization and for realistic physically-based simulations.

There are few openly available algorithms that can solve the challenges of volumetric multi-material meshing of complex shapes. Several promising meshing approaches are described in recent literature. These algorithms are taken as a starting point for further analysis and research by the student. Algorithms are implemented on the open-source DeVIDE platform where possible, and optimized both in terms of selection of parameter and speed. The applicant should compare his algorithmic results with comparative software solutions from academics and industry.