Data from: Model sensitivity and use of the comparative finite element method in mammalian jaw mechanics: mandible performance in the Gray Wolf ...

• Main Authors: Tseng, Zhijie Jack, McNitt-Gray, Jill L., Flashner, Henryk, Wang, Xiaoming, Enciso, Reyes
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: Dryad 2011
• Subjects: Functional morphology; Carnivora; mastication; Mammalia; Sensitivity Analysis; Canidae; bite force; Finite element analysis; Vertebrate paleontology; Canis lupus; gray wolf
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.8961; https://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.8961

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool gaining use in studies of biological form and function. This method is particularly conducive to studies of extinct and fossilized organisms, as models can be assigned properties that approximate living tissues. In disciplines where model validation is difficult or impossible, the choice of model parameters and their effects on the results become increasingly important, especially in comparing outputs to infer function. To evaluate the extent to which performance measures are affected by initial model input, we tested the sensitivity of bite force, strain energy, and stress to changes in seven parameters that are required in testing craniodental function with FEA. Simulations were performed on FE models of a Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) mandible. Results showed that unilateral bite force outputs are least affected by the relative ratios of the balancing and working muscles, but only ratios above 0.5 provided balancing-working side joint reaction force relationships ... : FE sensitivity models and descriptions for Tseng et al.Tsengetal_PLoS-ONE_FE_models.zip: Finite element models of Gray Wolf mandible sensitivity analysis. Data uploaded by Zhijie Jack Tseng, contact: [e-mail]. Zipped file contains sensitivity models J20101112TSA01 to J20101215TSA44. Files include finite element mesh (.st7) and model details and result sheets (.xls) for each model. 20110328Tsengetal_PLoS-ONE_FE_models.zip ...