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[Establishment of a 3D finite element model of human skull using MSCT images and mimics software]
Ping Huang1, Zheng-dong Li, Yu Shao
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, PR China, Shanghai 200063, China. huangpingifs@gmail.com
Objective:
To establish a human 3D finite element skull model, and to explore its value in biomechanics analysis.
Methods:
The cadaveric head was scanned and then 3D skull model was created using Mimics software based on 2D CT axial images. The 3D skull model was optimized by preprocessor along with creation of the surface and volume meshes. The stress changes, after the head was struck by an object or the head hit the ground directly, were analyzed using ANSYS software.
Results:
The original 3D skull model showed a large number of triangles with a poor quality and high similarity with the real head, while the optimized model showed high quality surface and volume meshes with a small number of triangles comparatively. The model could show the local and global stress changes effectively.
Conclusion:
The human 3D skull model can be established using MSCT and Mimics software and provides a good finite element model for biomechanics analysis. This model may also provide a base for the study of head stress changes following different forces.
