Mechanical Properties and Chemical Composition of Avian Long Bones

ISSN： 0924-3860

Source： European Journal of Morphology, Vol.38, Iss.2, 2000-04, pp. : 112-121

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

We have studied the mechanical behaviour of avian long bones as whole structures, by calculating mechanical parameters such as maximum load, stiffness, bending strength and flexural Young's modulus; bones were always tested in three-point bending. Furthermore composition in several chemical elements and amino acids related to collagen content was also analysed. Correlations were established between body mass, mechanical parameters and chemical contents. Both bending strength and Young's modulus were negatively correlated to body mass. Significant correlations were found between nitrogen content and both strength and Young's modulus, with negative slopes in both cases. Magnesium and phosphorus appear to be the most important inorganic elements to the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of avian long bones.