From image to analysis: an extended finite element method to simulate the mechanical response of soft-tissue

In this seminar we consider the problem of constructing a numerical method particularly well suited to modelling domains described by segmented image data of the human body. Instead of constructing a conforming mesh of the problem domain, we use implicitly defined domains described using the level-set method. We then include information about the implicitly defined domains by enriching the usual finite element basis functions defined on a cartesian quadtree or octree mesh with hanging nodes. This approach introduces significant complexities compared with classical finite element methods. We will discuss difficulties with the treatment of hanging nodes, numerical integration and imposing Dirichlet boundary conditions. We will discuss the possible future of extensions of this work, including cutting of soft tissue, multiscale problems with complex microstructure, and model order reduction problems.