Linear and nonlinear FEM modeling of abdominal aortic aneurysms based on computed tomography images

Abstract An investigation of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is performed based on medical Computed Tomography (CT) images. The images are transformed into 3D surface models to simulate deformation behavior of AAAs and estimate the rupture risk. The finite element method (FEM) with nonlinear hyperelastic Yeoh material model and the linear model for comparison are used. The aorta has been modelled with the shell theory, with appropriate adjustments to take into account the intraluminal thrombus. Numerical results are obtained for the maximum value of the von Mises stresses and strains. The introduced techniques can provide sufficient estimates for the displacements at inaccessible points, like virtual sensors, which can be used for rupture prediction within an integrated artificial intelligence tool.