Mapping Spatially Distributed Material Properties in Finite Element Models of Plant Tissue Using Computed Tomography

Abstract

Plant tissues are often heterogeneous. To accurately investigate these tissues, we will need methods to spatially map these tissue stiffness values onto finite element models. The purpose of this research is to develop a method for using specimen-specific computed tomography data to inform the spatial mapping of Youngs modulus values on finite element models. The spatial mapping of Youngs modulus was calculated and then used to predict the response of specimen tests. Results indicated that this method can be used to obtain spatial distributions of material properties, thus enabling finite element models that account for material heterogeneity.