Estimating mass properties of dinosaurs using laser imaging and 3D computer modelling

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Biomechanics
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Reconstructing body mass for extinct vertebrates is challenging.
• Digital models offer efficiency and non-destructive analysis for extinct animal reconstructions.
• Accurate mass estimations are vital for understanding dinosaur biomechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create 3D mass models of non-avian dinosaurs using LiDAR and computer modeling.
• To conduct sensitivity analyses to quantify uncertainty in mass reconstructions.
• To determine the plausible range of mass properties and center of mass for extinct taxa.

Main Methods:

• Utilized laser scanning (LiDAR) to create detailed 3D skeletal frameworks.
• Developed computer models to reconstruct body cavities and internal organs.
• Performed extensive sensitivity analyses by varying body segment and organ volumes.

Main Results:

• Generated 3D mass models for five dinosaur specimens, including Tyrannosaurus rex.
• Calculated body segment masses, centers of mass, and moments of inertia.
• Sensitivity analyses showed wide ranges in mass and inertial values, highlighting inherent uncertainties.

Conclusions:

• The center of mass was consistently located below and in front of the hip joint across all models.
• Acknowledged the unavoidable uncertainty in soft tissue reconstructions.
• Emphasized the necessity of sensitivity analyses to define plausible mass properties for biomechanical assessments.