Embed Computer Tomography Data into CAE with RETOMO

CT scan of an engine piston. (Image courtesy of Beta CAE Systems.)

Engineers can now incorporate computer tomography (CT) data to build 3D models. RETOMO, recently introduced by Beta CAE Systems, can be used to combine CT data with computer-aided engineering (CAE) processes for building integrated models.

This technology is similar to the familiar medical CT scans that use X-rays to image a series of slices of the body. These slices are then “assembled” on a computer to form a 3D model of the body. The engineering CT process applies essentially the same technique to engineered parts and components. The first step in this process involves capturing a series of X-ray image slices along an axis in the object that will be examined. RETOMO then represents the combined images as a 3D model that can be visualized, modified, simulated and analyzed.

CT scans image hidden features of a component. (Image courtesy of Beta CAE Systems.)

Engineers documenting or modifying existing products, or reverse-engineering products, can use this tool to look inside an existing component. Often, a component cannot be practically and nondestructively disassembled or deconstructed to expose the hidden features of a design. Internal features may be difficult to accurately measure and quantify, even if they are visible, and irregular shapes may be difficult to accurately measure and model. The CT process provides an accurate proportional image that RETOMO can convert into a 3D model, improving the accuracy of the 3D model.

3D model of a piston reconstructed using CT data. (Image courtesy of Beta CAE Systems.)

Users can quickly learn to use the solution’s tools, which have an integrated consistent user interface. All the tools and functions are organized on a single ribbon to provide a consistent user-friendly interface. Users can directly access any of the analysis functions at any point during the design and analysis process.

Fully featured meshing tools simplify design and support integration of multiple materials. Users can generate different types of meshes optimized for different materials, as well as smooth and simplify the meshes in a single iteration of the design. Streaming meshing algorithms support efficient meshing of large databases to reduce time and effort.

Multi-threading, caching and parallel processing improve performance to reduce the time required to analyze and build a model. Processes can be automatically distributed across multiple cores in a multi-cored CPU to reduce net computation time and approach the performance of competing web-based cloud computing solutions.

The RETOMO CT tool offers a significant new capability and is well worth a look. For more information on RETOMO, visit the Beta CAE Systems website.