Finite element analysis in vertebrate palaeontology

2002

The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a numerical method which allows to analyse the static and dynamic behaviour of complex structures. A structure is substituted by a model consisting of a number of small, well-defined elements, each interconnected by nodes. Within the element attributes and material properties, the model can be exposed to static or dynamic loads. The displacements of the structure as the reaction to its loadings are calculated. Other data such as stress or strain at localized points in the structure are derived from these displacements. Originally developed for engineering, FEA soon was introduced to human medicine by modelling the behaviour of bone, teeth, cartilage and …