Use of Simpleware Software for LS-DYNA® Analyses

Simpleware have developed a suite of programs that are used to convert imaging data obtained from CT, microCT, MRI or Ultrasound scanning equipment into finite element meshes for use in LS-DYNA. Simpleware provides what is effectively a 3D photocopier: three dimensional replicas can be generated automatically based on scans. In parallel, computer simulations can be used to assess the suitability or performance of objects in operation. Simpleware's technology has opened up FEA and RP manufacturing to a variety of applications and research fields including: • Industrial reverse engineering • Research in materials and composites • Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) • Biomechanical Research • Implant design and manufacturing • Surgery simulation and planning • Forensics • Biomimicry • Archeology ScanIP is used to import 3D imaging data from MRI, CT, Micro CT and Ultrasound scans. It provides a series of image processing and segmentation tools which allow the user to define areas of interest in the image based on grey scale values. The smoothing algorithms used by ScanIP are volume, topology and geometry preserving. This ensures the accuracy of both the generated surface reconstructions and mesh models is based on image accuracy alone. The segmented areas can then be exported as a 3D stereo lithography file or exported into +ScanFE for meshing. The stereo lithography files can either be used directly for producing rapid prototype parts or imported into CAD software. + ScanCAD allows you to import a CAD model, position it interactively within the 3D imaging data and then generate a Scan IP mask. Scan CAD can be used to obtain patient specific models by positioning CAD models of different implants within a pre-operative scan. Post-operative performance can be simulated using the combined models and multiple scenarios can be tested easily. The paper describes the software and illustrates its use in different fields of application.