finite volume methods for the simulation of skeletal muscle
Since it relies on a geometrical rather than a variational framework, many find the finite volume method (FVM) more intuitive than the finite element method (FEM). We show that the FVM allows one to interpret the stress inside a tetrahedron as a simple "multidimensional force" pushing on each face. Moreover, this interpretation leads to a heuristic method for calculating the force on each node, which is as simple to implement and comprehend as masses and springs. In the finite volume spirit, we also present a geometric rather than interpolating function definition of strain. We use the FVM and a quasi-incompressible, transversely isotropic, hyperelastic constitutive model to simulate contracting muscle tissue. B-spline solids are used to model fiber directions, and the muscle activation levels are derived from key frame animations.
method simulation variation finite element method interpretation heuristics interpolation functional definition use model contract direct activation animation  framework   stress 