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Rigid-body analysis of a lizard skull: modelling the skull of Uromastyx hardwickii

Evans, S.E.; O�Higgins, P.; Fagan, M.J.; Moazen, M.; Curtis, N.; Evans, S. E.; O'Higgins, P.; Fagan, M. J.

Authors

S.E. Evans

P. O�Higgins

M.J. Fagan

M. Moazen

N. Curtis

S. E. Evans

P. O'Higgins

M. J. Fagan



Abstract

Lizard skulls vary greatly in their detailed morphology. Theoretical models and practical studies have posited a definite relationship between skull morphology and bite performance, but this can be difficult to demonstrate in vivo. Computer modelling provides an alternative approach, as long as hard and soft tissue components can be integrated and the model can be validated. An anatomically accurate three-dimensional computer model of an Uromastyx hardwickii skull was developed for rigid-body dynamic analysis. The Uromastyx jaw was first opened under motion control, and then muscle forces were applied to produce biting simulations where bite forces and joint forces were calculated. Bite forces comparable to those reported in the literature were predicted, and detailed muscular force information was produced along with additional information on the stabilizing role of temporal ligaments in late jaw closing.

Citation

Moazen, M., Curtis, N., Evans, S. E., O'Higgins, P., & Fagan, M. J. (2008). Rigid-body analysis of a lizard skull: modelling the skull of Uromastyx hardwickii. Journal of biomechanics, 41(6), 1274-1280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.01.012

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 17, 2008
Online Publication Date Mar 4, 2008
Publication Date 2008
Journal Journal of biomechanics
Print ISSN 0021-9290
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 41
Issue 6
Pages 1274-1280
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.01.012
Keywords Biophysics; Rehabilitation; Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; Biomedical Engineering
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/417594
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021929008000262?via%3Dihub
PMID 18308322