e-space
Manchester Metropolitan University's Research Repository

    Investigating the running abilities of Tyrannosaurus rex using stress-constrained multibody dynamic analysis

    Sellers, W, Pond, S, Brassey, CA, Manning, P and Bates, K (2017) Investigating the running abilities of Tyrannosaurus rex using stress-constrained multibody dynamic analysis. PeerJ, 5. ISSN 2167-8359

    [img]
    Preview

    Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

    Download (12MB) | Preview

    Abstract

    The running ability of Tyrannosaurus rex has been intensively studied due to its relevance to interpretations of feeding behaviour and the biomechanics of scaling in giant predatory dinosaurs. Different studies using differing methodologies have produced a very wide range of top speed estimates and there is therefore a need to develop techniques that can improve these predictions. Here we present a new approach that combines two separate biomechanical techniques (multibody dynamic analysis and skeletal stress analysis) to demonstrate that true running gaits would probably lead to unacceptably high skeletal loads in T. rex. Combining these two approaches reduces the high-level of uncertainty in previous predictions associated with unknown soft tissue parameters in dinosaurs, and demonstrates that the relatively long limb segments of T. rex—long argued to indicate competent running ability—would actually have mechanically limited this species to walking gaits. Being limited to walking speeds contradicts arguments of high-speed pursuit predation for the largest bipedal dinosaurs like T. rex, and demonstrates the power of multiphysics approaches for locomotor reconstructions of extinct animals.

    Impact and Reach

    Statistics

    Activity Overview
    6 month trend
    358Downloads
    6 month trend
    319Hits

    Additional statistics for this dataset are available via IRStats2.

    Altmetric

    Repository staff only

    Edit record Edit record