Simple simulations of stresses and strains in several types of localised anatomical features have been modelled using basic biomechanical thinking, experimental stress analysis employing photo-elastic methods and theoretical stress and strain analysis using a finite elements approach where the computational program utilises fast LaGrangian analysis of continua. The studies are providing results showing that, for given load proportions, the particular forms of some bones and bony architectural features seem related to stresses and strains that are relatively evenly distributed across surfaces (and therefore mechanically optimal). The results particularly show how apparently opposite (paradoxical) situations can readily occur within anatomical systems. They also provide strong biological information relevant to the assessment of such features of bone architecture in phylogenetic investigations. They even give information relevant to clinical problems.

Keywords:
Incus, Tendon/bone junctions, Trabecular bone patterns, Stress and strain, Thought experiments, Grid distortions, Photo-elastic analysis, Finite element analysis (FEA), Fast LaGrangian analysis of continua (FLAC)
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2004
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