A finite element analysis of a boa constrictor skull and the design of a jaw bone transducer

The purpose of this research is to analyze the finite element model of a Boa constrictor skull and design a transducer at the jaw bone to measure the forces applied during feeding. The concepts in mechanics are applied to simulate and study the behavior of jaws while feeding.. In this study, the images of the skull of a boa constrictor were scanned to obtain the precise size and shape of each of the bones inside. The specimen was scanned using the X-ray micro tomography procedure. This process left several regions in the finite element model unconnected. These regions are corrected using the software HYPERMESH. The loading and boundary conditions along with the various properties like the Elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio are given to the FE model in ABAQUS before analyzing it. Electrical resistance strain gauges are simulated to have attached to the jawbone at two different points. The strain measured is then used to find out the forces that caused it, by using the various concepts and principles in solid and continuum mechanics. Electrical resistance strain gauges, numerical methods, moments of inertia are some of the commonly used terms in this analysis.