Construction of Finite-Element Models Conforming to Prescribed Boundary Shapes

This paper presents two techniques, called the morphing method and the fitting method, for deforming finite-element models to conform to prescribed boundary shapes of domains. The morphing method involves selecting nodes on a finite-element model and moving them to desired locations under suitable constraints in reference to specified image data. The fitting method involves deforming a finite-element model to fit into a prescribed domain that can be given with pixel or voxel image data. These methods have been derived as solutions to shape optimization problems for morphing and fitting using the traction method. The morphing method can be applied to construct a finite-element model of the spine to match that of patients with idiopathic scoliosis by referring to X-ray photographs. The fitting method can be applied to construct a skeletal part that matches CT image data.