Estimating Mass Properties of Dinosaurs Using Laser Imaging and 3D Computer Modelling

Karl T. Bates; Phillip L. Manning; David Hodgetts; William I. Sellers

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0004532

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Peer-reviewed

Research Article

Estimating Mass Properties of Dinosaurs Using Laser Imaging and 3D Computer Modelling

Karl T. Bates ,

* E-mail: karl.bates@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

Affiliation Adaptive Organismal Biology Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Jackson's Mill, Manchester, United Kingdom
⨯
Phillip L. Manning,

Affiliations The Manchester Museum, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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David Hodgetts,

Affiliation School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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William I. Sellers

Affiliation Adaptive Organismal Biology Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Jackson's Mill, Manchester, United Kingdom
⨯

Estimating Mass Properties of Dinosaurs Using Laser Imaging and 3D Computer Modelling

Karl T. Bates,
Phillip L. Manning,
David Hodgetts,
William I. Sellers

Published: February 19, 2009
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0004532

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New BHI 3033 Model

Posted by mbexekb3 on 20 May 2010 at 14:27 GMT

7655 kg for Tyrannosaurus rex BHI 3033
http://plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0004532#article1.body1.sec3.p1

I have recently re-scanned T. rex BHI 3033 using a high resolution laser scanner (sub-mm accuracy, much higher resolution than the one I used originally in this study). I was interested in the effect of scan resolution on my reconstruction so I re-did a 'best guess' model of BHI 3033 based on the new higher resolution model. All body segment volumes came out extremely similar (i.e. no effect) except for the head reconstruction, which came out much smaller. Its seems the low resolution (leading to 'spikeyness' and and absence of data around the top of the skull) led me to be very generous in my original reconstruction. However, it has only a minor effect on mass predictions for the whole animal (total body and CM). Anyone interested can contact me for the data.

K.T. Bates

No competing interests declared.

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Estimating Mass Properties of Dinosaurs Using Laser Imaging and 3D Computer Modelling

Estimating Mass Properties of Dinosaurs Using Laser Imaging and 3D Computer Modelling

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New BHI 3033 Model

Posted by mbexekb3 on 20 May 2010 at 14:27 GMT