Abstract
Computer-based simulation techniques such as multi-body dynamics analysis are becoming increasingly popular in the field of skull mechanics. Multi-body models can be used for studying the relationships between skull architecture, muscle morphology and feeding performance. However, to be confident in the modelling results, models need to be validated against experimental data, and the effects of uncertainties or inaccuracies in the chosen model attributes need to be assessed with sensitivity analyses. Here, we compare the bite forces predicted by a multi-body model of a lizard (Tupinambis merianae) with in vivo measurements, using anatomical data collected from the same specimen. This subject-specific model predicts bite forces that are very close to the in vivo measurements and also shows a consistent increase in bite force as the bite position is moved posteriorly on the jaw. However, the model is very sensitive to changes in muscle attributes such as fibre length, intrinsic muscle strength and force orientation, with bite force predictions varying considerably when these three variables are altered. We conclude that accurate muscle measurements are crucial to building realistic multi-body models and that subject-specific data should be used whenever possible.
Highlights
Multi-body dynamics analysis (MDA) is a computer-based simulation method that offers many possibilities for the study of the mechanics of complex, integrated systems such as the vertebrate feeding system
MDA has been used in studies of skull mechanics in several species, living and extinct [4,5,6,7,8,9,10]
MDA models are becoming increasingly common in the field of skull mechanics, relatively few studies have directly compared model predictions with such in vivo measurements [4,7,11,12,13]
Summary
Multi-body dynamics analysis (MDA) is a computer-based simulation method that offers many possibilities for the study of the mechanics of complex, integrated systems such as the vertebrate feeding system. It allows simulation of the forces produced by the masticatory muscles, the resulting bite forces and the reaction forces at the joints, as well as the movement of the jaws [1,2,3]. Curtis et al [4] presented an MDA skull model of the lepidosaurian reptile Sphenodon (Rhynchocephalia) that produced comparable jaw movements and muscle activations with living animals. An MDA model by Moazen et al [8] of the lizard Uromastyx hardwickii predicted bite forces that were below measured bite forces in living animals with comparable skull dimensions [14]
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