PPT Slide

Deformation Modeling

Mathematical model

— linear elasticity (stress is proportional to strain)

— analytical solution is impractical for complicated

geometry in 3D

Finite element method (FEM)

— solves linear elastic equations numerically

— requires a mesh of all the objects modeled and the

space between them; hexahedral elements seem best

— solution converges to the exact answer as element size

tends to 0

— elastic constants can vary

between mesh elements

A force vector is applied to a node of the prostate mesh. One element of the prostate mesh is shown as a solid.

The prostate mesh deforms in response to the force.