Target Outcome
Complete finite element model ready for simulation.
Protocols
Required Infrastructure
FEBio is a nonlinear implicit FE framework designed specifically for analysis in biomechanics and biophysics (Custom open source license; free for research use, licensing for commercial use is available, see http://www.febio.org).
SOFA the Simulation Open Framework Architecture is an open-source software primarily targeted at real-time simulation, with an emphasis on medical simulation (LGPL license, see https://www.sofa-framework.org).
Python is a programming language (GPL compatible license, http://www.python.org/). Python is the default scripting environment for Multis.
Input
One or more meshes, preferably in the MRI coordinate system, For more details, see Mesh Generation.
Procedures
FEBio
FEBio uses an XML format specific to FEBio. It is therefore convenient to use this python scripting to facilitate the assembly of the full model to be simulated.
SOFA
The SOFA Framework requires a scene file of XML that directs the simulator to the individual pieces that will be used together. It is therefore convenient to use this python scripting to facilitate the assembly of the scene to be simulated. Please note that the SOFA scene produced uses relative links, so all files should be moved together.
Abaqus
While this project does not make use of Abaqus, it is a popular simulation tool. Here is a python script that will write the geometry section of an Abaqus input file from our data. All 3D stress elements (such as the 15 node wedge for the layered skin) work now. Hopefully anyone interested in this format can complete the rest of the input for a complete simulation.
Output
The fully assembled finite element model ready for simulation in either FEBio or the SOFA Framework.