Patient Specific Finite Element Modeling of a Human Skull

This paper presents automated finite element modeling method and application to a biomechanical study. The modeling method produces a finite element model based on the multi-sliced image data adaptively controlling the element size according to complexity of local bony shape. The method realizes a compact and precise finite element model with a desired total number of nodal points. This paper challenges to apply this method to a human skull because of its intricate structure. To accomplish the application of the human skull, we analyze characteristics of bony shape for a mandible and a skull. Using the analytical results, we demonstrate that the proposed modeling method successfully generates a precise finite element model of the skull with fine structures.