Efficient matrix-free approaches for trimmed splines for biomedical applications

Existing engineering simulation tools are failing to meet the growing need across industries for fast, efficient, and accurate analysis of product designs. These tools are unable to directly analyze computer-aided design model data, requiring onerous data conversion to make simulation possible. In the biomedical field, the application of simulation tools to medical device innovation faces particular difficulties. Not only do biomedical device applications require the modeling of highly complex systems, but also tend to feature biological materials that are challenging to simulate, and often require patient-specific analyses to determine configuration specifics. Consequently, biomedical engineering simulation demands both a fast, robust model setup and the ability to execute high-accuracy analyses quickly and at a large scale. Existing simulation technologies are subject to limitations, such as the need to translate design data into simulation data, that prevent them from delivering on the needs of implanted medical devices. A completely new approach is necessary to realize the promise of cutting-edge biomedical devices. This project will facilitate the use of cutting-edge biomedical devices by advancing the development of a simulation technology that can offer the robust model setup and fast, scalable simulation required by biomedical devices. This technology, based on next-generation isogeometric analysis, can eliminate traditional data conversion burdens. This project will involve Working closely with experts in the medical device space to optimize these new isogeometric analysis tools for biomedical applications. Phase I efforts will leverage the DOE-funded Modular Finite Element Methods library to develop new mathematical “preconditioning” techniques for improving simulation speed. This will enable initial workflow testing for innovative medical applications by new methods groups at leading biomedical firms and government agencies in the defense sector. In Phase II, these advanced simulation tools will be further optimized via deeper integration with the DOE-funded library to allow for accelerated computations using Graphics Processing Unit resources. Together with workflow enhancements in progress under separately-funded efforts, it is expected that this more efficient simulation approach will be fit for production use in biomedical applications by the conclusion of Phase II. Advancing these next-generation simulation tools promises to enable near-real-time simulation of how biomedical devices will interact with human bodies. This will open the door to significant improvements in device longevity and patient-specificity, as well as facilitate potential step-change innovations such as the development of human digital twins. The ability to enable physicians and researchers without deep engineering expertise to run problems will unlock healthcare innovation at a magnificent scale. Moreover, the project’s enhancements to the core capabilities of these advanced isogeometric analysis tools will positively impact many industries outside of health care, including automotive and aerospace, consumer products, and defense, by allowing engineers to bypass data translation and iterate more quickly on design changes.