Skeleton and level set for channel construction and flow simulation
This paper aims to introduce a unified code for fluid flow modeling in complex channels reconstructed from imagery. Given a binary image of a cross-section or projection of planar connected channels with circular cross-sections, we wish to: (1) reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the boundary of the geometry, (2) establish boundary condition of the flow field, and (3) compute a fluid simulation based on a Cartesian grid. Our solution has the following advantages. First, we use the same mathematical tools throughout the process i.e. a level set function and a skeleton to describe the geometry. The skeleton of the geometry is essential in the imagery part to transform the 2D geometry into a 3D geometry but is also essential in the fluid flow part to construct a velocity field of reference for boundary conditions in the mechanical fluid flow model. Then, the integration of the geometry into the fluid mechanic code is simplified thanks to a Cartesian grid taking into account the geometry through the level set function. Finally, this work leads to a stand-alone code capable of simulating 3D flows in geometry reconstructed 2D images. We show its usefulness in applications to medical imagery (namely angiography) and bifluid flows in microchannels.
skeleton level set flow simulation 3d channel reconstruction segmentation