Computer Assisted MR Imaging Simulation for Guidance of Gradient Coil Development During Design Phase

Silke Maria Lechner^1,2, Mika W. Vogel¹, Bruce C. Amm³, Timothy J. Hollis⁴, Hans-Joachim Bungartz²

In magnetic resonance (MR), fast and high-resolution imaging require strong and fast switching gradients. The design of this new gradient coil generation is challenging in terms of field non-linearity and induced field distortions resulting in image artifacts. This work introduces a simulation environment that extends and integrates existing simulation tools by including gradient designs within predictive image quality assessment software. To demonstrate the capabilities of this new environment, a three-axis uniplanar flat gradient set is modeled. Realistic model simplifications as well as magnetostatic evaluations and first application simulations are presented here to increase computational speed and to verify the model.