Finite Element Dataset for "Let them fight: Using finite element analysis to determine combative evolutionary drivers of ceratopsian horns": USNM Specimens

This dataset contains finite element models derived from the Triceratops horridus specimens USNM 2100 and USNM 2124 (From the composite specimen USNM V 2580) and Centrosaurus apertus specimen USNM 8897 and used for various combat tests used for a study on ceratopsian combat styles. The question being answered is if diverse combat styles served as a major evolutionary driver for the diverse morphology of ceratopsian horns. The scans were then retrodeformed in Blender 3.2.1 and turned into tetrahedral meshes in Hypermesh 2022. For the horn-only models, they were created using the Separation tool in Blender 3.2.1 and keratin sheaths were created in Geomagic 2021. Calculated forces were placed on the models in Hypermesh as loads in accordance with various combat styles, anatomical axes, and horn locking positions.The dataset is organized into the following files:Centrosaurus.zip: Contains the CAE and INP files for the Centrosaurus apertus skull used in this study. It also includes corresponding horn-only FE models.USNM_Triceratops.zip: Contains the CAE and INP files for the Triceratops horridus skull from the Smithsonian used in this study. It also includes corresponding horn-only FE models.Both skulls were based on scans provided with permissions by the Smithsonian Institution. The original specimens have the following GUIDs: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/33a0d8fbe-d3d6-4c5e-9817-99a45cf5bc07 and http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/3815f2a37-bffb-4053-92aa-1f732db93a5d. Special thanks to Holly Little for giving permission to use the original scans. These files do not include the original scan geometry. Use of underlying specimen data must comply with Smithsonian Terms of Use.