Dynamic Simulations of Elastic Rods for Medical Applications

Abstract

This study deals with a detailed development of a computational model based on the Cosserat rod theory to describe the motion of elastic filaments such as threads and hair. The need for a simulation software for the act of suturing has motivated this study.

The dynamic equations governing the motion of elastic rods have been solved using a finite difference scheme. The scheme is central difference in space and forward difference in time and is conditionally stable. The simulations are carried out for a cantilever beam for various force and moment inputs at its free end. The results have been validated using known analytical results. The scheme has proven to be fast enough to be used in real-time simulations.