[Biomechanical models of the human skull: stability of various segments in three simulations]

Three simulations by a computer model of human skull, implemented on finite elements and virtual works principles, were performed by a 15 Kg loading of the structure according rules of mechanical stresses of chewing. First model had all elements in place, second was without vault and third was without orbital walls. Stability of the structure was evaluated in terms of "instability coefficient" as an index of sum of moduli and number of considered nodes such moduli give spatial displacement of nodes after loading and deformation of shell elements. All parts of the structure are involved in ensuring stability so that it decreases as different segments or elements are not considered during simulation. The vault plays a great role in total stability of the model while orbital walls appear as a mechanical link between anterior (frontal) and posterior (occipital) parts of the model.