Numerical solution of the general 3D eddy current problem for magnetic induction tomography (spectroscopy)

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Electromagnetics

Background:

• Magnetic induction tomography (MIT) reconstructs conductivity changes using alternating magnetic fields.
• Applications include non-invasive monitoring of conditions like brain edema.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a new software package for generating finite element (FE) models and calculating eddy currents.
• To assess the software's applicability for two-compartment systems with low conductivities.

Main Methods:

• Developed a finite element (FE) model of a previously published experimental setup.
• Simulated eddy currents in a conducting sphere moved within a coaxial coil system.
• Compared simulation results with experimental data in both empty space and saline-filled tank.

Main Results:

• The FE model accurately reproduced experimental data for a conducting sphere in air.
• Simulations showed very good agreement with measured data in a saline-filled tank, considering measurement errors.
• Demonstrated the software's capability for low-conductivity, low-contrast two-compartment systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed software is applicable for simulating complex structures in magnetic induction tomography.
• The validation confirms the software's utility for solving the inverse problem in MIT, particularly for challenging scenarios.
• This work represents a significant advancement in the computational tools available for MIT research.