Biomechanical Analysis of an Alligator Mandible Structure

Taking inspiration from biological structures that have developed over millennia provides a unique approach to identifying innovative solutions to engineering problems. Alligator mandible structures exhibit high strength properties under their natural loading conditions that result in their evolved shape. The morphological variables of alligator mandibles have been compared from evolutionary perspectives through simplified beam models and the finite element method (FEM). However, a comparison of the 3-dimensional structural features is yet to be explored from an engineering perspective. This study presents the biomechanical analysis of an alligator mandible structure under cantilever loading conditions using FEM. The initial, solid geometry of the structure is compared to hollow models with varied shell thickness to analyse its effect on the structural stiffness under bending and compressive loading conditions. The outcome of these results demonstrates the functional principles of the mandible that can be applied to structural engineering applications. These principles can additionally be used as a baseline for the design of novel, more optimised structures under similar load cases.