Geometric and kinematic modelling of a human costal slice

More and more powerful calculation methods are being used in the modelization of the human thorax, and considering the progress made in the domain of numerical analysis, this modelization is naturally being oriented toward the utilization of finite element methods. However, thoracic models are usually based on extremely simple geometric hypotheses, due mostly to the lack of dependable experimental data. Hence, the exploitation of sophisticated software is far from optimal. This study is based on experimental observations which allow the capabilities of the current means of calculation to be exploited to a maximum. The objectives of the study are the geometric and kinematic representations of a typical costal slice. A precise topographical measurement, performed by a robot, allows description of the costal geometry. The exploitation of these measurements then allows the identification of the costo-vertebral articulation.