Objective
The key aim of this project is to advance understanding of the biomechanics of feeding in a diversity of ancient reptiles. Accordingly, a complete functional analysis of reptile cranial and mandibular mechanics as it is reflected in an array of extinct carnivorous taxa will be developed for the first time. Comparison of bone structures related to jaw-adductor musculature and function would shed light on similarities and differences in their feeding behaviours. These different shapes will be permitted to pro be how the interaction of head skeleton geometry and feeding loads acting on it are manifested as stresses anywhere within its bones. A detailed, comparative consideration of skull morphology and associated muscle attachments and function, should test hypotheses regarding the role of fenestration patterns.
An integrative approach of CT-scan plus kinetic and finite-element modelling methods will be applied to analyse those topics. Computerised tomography will allow construction of three-dimensional profiles of crania and mandibles without destructive analysis. This technique will be used as a foundation to model them with innovative computational mechanical methods. CT data will be converted into a finite-element mesh, which amounts to a mathematical description of the skeletal geometry and provides a basis for a stress analysis. The finite-element models will be loaded in order to simulate different modes of biting, taking into account not only alternative feeding strategies but also size and behaviour in potential prey.
Differences in magnitude between biting forces and maximum loads the skull can withstand will lead to conclusions about how extinct carnivore reptiles may have captured and fed upon their prey. Craniomandibular systems in extinct reptiles can be treated as biting machines operating in three dimensions. As such, different possibilities of craniomandibular mechanisms will be tested by using computerised kinematic analyses.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics mathematical analysis functional analysis
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.