Estimation of torsional rigidity in primate long bones
Abstract
Comparative studies of long bone biomechanics in primates frequently use the polar moment of inertia (J ) as a variable reflecting overall mechanical rigidity, average bending rigidity, or resistance to torsional shear stresses. While the use of this variable for characterizing the first two properties is appropriate, it is potentially a highly misleading measure of torsional resistance. Errors result from violations of assumptions required for the use of the polar moment of inertia; in particular, the predictive utility of J diminishes with departures from axial symmetry (i.e., a cylindrical cross-sectional shape). The magnitude of these errors is estimated both theoretically and experimentally. It is argued that the use of the polar moment of inertia for estimating long bone torsional rigidity should be restricted to samples of relatively invariant and/or cylindrical geometry. Alternative measures for torsional resistance are evaluated and reviewed.
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Values for J obtained from cross sections with an Imax/Imin >1.50 are typically overestimated but remain informative when considered proportionally rather than quantitatively.
“Values for J obtained from cross sections with an Imax/Imin >1.50 are typically overestimated12,60,61, but remain informative when considered proportionally rather than quantitatively (as is its derivative Zp41,61).”
From Wing bone geometry reveals active flight in Archaeopteryx (2018) · cites this paper as [60]
The ratio of Imax over Imin provides a reliable measure for the ellipticity of the transverse bone shaft.
“The ratio of Imax over Imin provides a reliable measure for the ellipticity of the transverse bone shaft and has been considered as such in biomechanical explorations12,60,66,67.”
From Wing bone geometry reveals active flight in Archaeopteryx (2018) · cites this paper as [60]
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References 61 · Cited by 61
- Authors
- Daegling, D. J.
- Affiliations
- University of Florida (US)
- Corresponding author
- Daegling, David J.
- ORCID
- Daegling, David J.
- Venue
- Journal of Human Evolution
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2002-08
- Volume
- 43
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 229-239
- ISSN
- 0047-2484 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1982837877
- Cited by
- 61
- References
- 61
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 2 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 2.87
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Human Evolution (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Geometry and Topology › Morphological variations and asymmetry
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Mechanics and Biomechanics Studies
- Keywords
- torsional stiffness, polar moment of inertia, long bones, axial symmetry, torsional resistance, bending stiffness
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Physiological, Animals, Anthropology, Physical, Biomechanical Phenomena, Bone and Bones, Humans, Locomotion, Models, Theoretical, Torsion Abnormality, Reproducibility of Results
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