The finite element method for micro-scale modeling of ultrasound propagation in cancellous bone

B. Vafaeian, M. El-Rich, T. El-Bialy, S. Adeeb

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Quantitative ultrasound for bone assessment is based on the correlations between ultrasonic parameters and the properties (mechanical and physical) of cancellous bone. To elucidate the correlations, understanding the physics of ultrasound in cancellous bone is demanded. Micro-scale modeling of ultrasound propagation in cancellous bone using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been so far utilized as one of the approaches in this regard. However, the FDTD method accompanies two disadvantages: staircase sampling of cancellous bone by finite difference grids leads to generation of wave artifacts at the solid-fluid interface inside the bone; additionally, this method cannot explicitly satisfy the needed perfect-slip conditions at the interface. To overcome these disadvantages, the finite element method (FEM) is proposed in this study. Three-dimensional finite element models of six water-saturated cancellous bone samples with different bone volume were created. The values of speed of sound (SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) were calculated through the finite element simulations of ultrasound propagation in each sample. Comparing the results with other experimental and simulation studies demonstrated the capabilities of the FEM for micro-scale modeling of ultrasound in water-saturated cancellous bone.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)1663-1676
Number of pages14
JournalUltrasonics
Volume54
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2014

Keywords

  • Broadband ultrasound attenuation
  • Cancellous bone
  • Finite element method

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The finite element method for micro-scale modeling of ultrasound propagation in cancellous bone'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this