Author(s): Fernandes, Nuno Alexandre Tavares Campos ; Alves, Diana Isabel Sousa ; Ferreira, Diana P. ; Arieira, Ana Filipa Amorim ; Silva, Filipe Samuel ; Hinckel, Betina ; Leal, Ana Isabel Neto Cardoso ; Carvalho, Óscar Samuel Novais
Date: 2025
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/95496
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Subject(s): Medial Phantom; Ultrasound; Brain; Acoustics; Elastomer; Natural Fibres
This paper focuses on the virtual development of elastomeric composites incorporating natural fibers (Cordyline Australis) and an eco-friendly silicone matrix for medical phantoms that replicate the acoustic properties of human cranial skin. Micro- and macro-mechanical finite element models in COMSOL Multiphysics will be developed to simulate the anisotropic stress-strain behaviour of the composites under different loading conditions. The acoustic wave propagation will be validated against literature data and existing phantoms. The study will analyse the effects of fibre ratio, orientation, and matrix compatibility to optimize elasticity, anisotropy, viscoelastic response, and durability. Compared to current ultrasound phantoms, which have a short shelf-life, this approach enhances longevity, making it a more sustainable solution. Additionally, by incorporating anisotropy this research advances both the realism of medical phantoms and the accuracy of simulations of human tissues.
