Finite element analysis in functional morphology

Anat Rec A Discov Mol Cell Evol Biol. 2005 Apr;283(2):259-74. doi: 10.1002/ar.a.20169.

Abstract

This article reviews the fundamental principles of the finite element method and the three basic steps (model creation, solution, and validation and interpretation) involved in using it to examine structural mechanics. Validation is a critical step in the analysis, without which researchers cannot evaluate the extent to which the model represents or is relevant to the real biological condition. We discuss the method's considerable potential as a tool to test biomechanical hypotheses, and major hurdles involved in doing so reliably, from the perspective of researchers interested in functional morphology and paleontology. We conclude with a case study to illustrate how researchers deal with many of the factors and assumptions involved in finite element analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anatomy / methods*
  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Body Patterning / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Finite Element Analysis*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Primates / anatomy & histology*
  • Primates / physiology*
  • Reproducibility of Results