Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was first developed in 1943 by R. Courant, who utilized the Ritz method of numerical analysis and minimization of variational calculus to obtain approximate solutions to vibration systems. FEA consists of a computer model of a material or design that is stressed and analyzed for specific results. It is used in new product design, and existing product refinement. There are generally two types of analysis that are used in industry: 2-D modeling, and 3-D modeling. While 2-D modeling conserves simplicity and allows the analysis to be run on a relatively normal computer, it tends to yield less accurate results. 3-D modeling, however, produces more accurate results while sacrificing the ability to run on all but the fastest computers effectively. Within each of these modeling schemes, the programmer can insert numerous algorithms (functions) which may make the system behave linearly or non-linearly. Linear systems are far less complex and generally do not take into account plastic deformation. Non-linear systems do account for plastic deformation, and many also are capable of testing a material all the way to fracture.
Published in Chapter:
Virtual Reality for Supporting Surgical Planning
Sandra Leal (University Hospitals‘Virgen del Rocío’, Spain), Cristina Suarez (University Hospitals‘Virgen del Rocío’, Spain), J. M. Framinan (University of Seville, Spain), Carlos Luis Parra (University Hospitals‘Virgen del Rocío’, Spain), and Tomás Gómez (University Hospitals ‘Virgen del Rocío’, Spain)
Copyright: © 2010
|Pages: 22
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-670-4.ch029
Abstract
Nowadays many surgical procedures are still carried out based on the skills and manual dexterity of each surgeon. The complexity and variability of the operations (very dependent on anatomical and functional personal characteristics), the difficulty of sharing and transferring the acquired knowledge, and the problems for surgeons to train in a realistic context make up a very complex scenario. In this sense, Virtual Reality (VR) provide supporting for surgical training and planning. VR permits modeling, simulation and visualization techniques using 3-D, anatomical predictive models, which are based on realistic models of tissues and organs. The usage of these technologies as a support for surgical planning results in a reduction of the uncertainty in the surgical process, a decrease in the risks for the patients, as well as an improvement of the results. This chapter presents a case of study of a Virtual Reality tool for supporting surgical planning, called VirSSPA, that has been already successfully applied in the University Hospital “Virgen del Rocio” (Seville-Spain).