Author(s)

N. Inou, M. Koseki, I. Kato & K. Maki

Abstract

This paper discusses whether mandibular shapes can be explained by the masticatory conditions. We explore the problem using a simulation method based on a cellular automaton model. The method automatically determines the structural shape once the initial shape and the mechanical conditions are given. We apply this method to the mandibles of a rat and a human. The masticatory conditions are set as several biting ways, which are exerted on the mandibles. The structural formations by the cellular automaton model generate similar mandibular shapes to the actual ones. Keywords: mandibular shape, mastication, structural formation, cellular automaton, biomechanics. 1 Introduction Mandibular shape varies by animals. Figure 1 shows mandibles of a hu

Keywords