Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Building Finite Element Models to Investigate Zebrafish Jaw Biomechanics
Published on: December 3, 2016
Conventional and complex modal analyses of a finite element model of human head and neck
Kwong Ming Tse1, Long Bin Tan, Siak Piang Lim
1a Department of Mechanical Engineering , National University of Singapore , 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117576 , Singapore.
Abstract:
This study employs both the traditional and the complex modal analyses of a detailed finite element model of human head-neck system to determine modal responses in terms of resonant frequencies and mode shapes. It compares both modal responses without ignoring mode shapes, and these results are reasonably in agreement with the literature. Increasing displacement contour loops within the brain in higher frequency modes probably exhibits the shearing and twisting modes of the brain. Additional and rarely reported modal responses such as 'mastication' mode of the mandible and flipping mode of nasal lateral cartilages are identified. This suggests a need for detailed modelling to identify all the additional frequencies of each individual part. Moreover, it is found that a damping factor of above 0.2 has amplifying effect in reducing higher frequency modes, while a diminishing effect in lowering peak biomechanical responses, indicating the importance of identifying the appropriate optimised damping factor.
Related Concept Videos
Stress: General Loading Conditions
The shearing force, possessing potential directionality within the plane of the section, is simplified into two component forces running parallel to the x and y axes....
Deformation of Member under Multiple Loadings
In the case of a member with a variable cross-section, the strain is not constant but depends on the position. The deformation of an...
Bending of Members Made of Several Materials
Hooke's Law determines stress in each material, stating that stress is proportional to strain but varies due to each material's...
Eccentric Axial Loading in a Plane of Symmetry
General Case of Eccentric Axial Loading
Consider a member subjected to equal and opposite forces that are applied along a line that does not coincide with the member's neutral axis. In unsymmetrical...
Typical Model Studies

