Conceptual MRI Simulator

Adjust MRI scan parameters and see how a simplified 2D tissue phantom changes between T1- and T2-weighted contrast.

What this tool does

This conceptual MRI simulator uses a built-in 2D phantom with simplified tissue properties to illustrate signal intensity. Change repetition time (TR), echo time (TE), and noise, then run a scan to render a grayscale image.

Who this is for

• Students learning how TR, TE, T1, and T2 affect MRI signal contrast
• Educators demonstrating simplified spin-echo concepts in a browser
• Developers and imaging enthusiasts experimenting with a small visual model

How to use this tool

1. Move the TR slider to change repetition time.
2. Move the TE slider to change echo time.
3. Adjust Noise Level to add or remove visual noise.
4. Choose Run Scan Simulation to redraw the phantom and compare the resulting contrast.

Inputs

The simulator accepts TR from 100–5000 ms, TE from 10–200 ms, and a noise setting from 0–0.3. It uses a fixed synthetic phantom containing example regions such as CSF, gray matter, white matter, fat, and a tumor-like region; it does not load patient scans or external datasets.

Outputs

The canvas displays a newly rendered grayscale 2D simulated MRI image. Shorter TR/TE settings generally emphasize T1 differences, while longer settings generally emphasize T2 differences in this simplified model.

Example use cases

• Compare T1-weighted and T2-weighted teaching examples
• Demonstrate how acquisition settings change image contrast
• Explore the effect of simulated noise without needing MRI hardware

Frequently asked questions