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Computation of the radius of curvature R in any avian egg and identification of the location of potential load application that forms its unique asymmetric shape: a theoretical hypothesis

Narushin, Valeriy G., Romanov, Michael N, Griffin, Darren K. (2025) Computation of the radius of curvature R in any avian egg and identification of the location of potential load application that forms its unique asymmetric shape: a theoretical hypothesis. Computation, 13 (10). Article Number 232. E-ISSN 2079-3197. (doi:10.3390/computation13100232) (KAR id:111451)

Abstract

In avian biology, the radius of curvature, or R, has hardly ever been used to study the mechanics of birds' egg shape formation. However, it is essential for introducing important details about the form, function, and performance of an object, which is useful in biomedicine, manufacturing, and precision design. In order to determine a possible biological mechanism and the location of load application that creates the distinctive asym-metric egg shape in nature, the goal of this study was to develop a formula for computing R at any point over an egg contour. We derived a relatively simple means of computing R and identified the location that muscular compression is carried out to give the egg its characteristic form. This location (x/L), the angle (α) of compression and the relative magnitude of the load proportional to R can help identify a specific section of the oviduct and the squeezing muscle involved. Novel equations for computing R, x/L and α were proposed , based on standard geometric parameters. Our findings demonstrate how the theoretical knowledge of physical, mechanical and mathematical processes can contribute to the solution of biological problems and resonates with the fields of egg-inspired engineering.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.3390/computation13100232
Uncontrolled keywords: avian eggs; egg formation; egg geometry; radius of curvature; deformation of elastic eggshells
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics (inc Computing science)
Q Science > QA Mathematics (inc Computing science) > QA440 Geometry
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH324.2 Computational biology
Q Science > QL Zoology
Q Science > QP Physiology (Living systems)
Institutional Unit: Schools > School of Natural Sciences
Schools > School of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Former Institutional Unit:
There are no former institutional units.
Depositing User: Mike Romanov
Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2025 17:18 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Oct 2025 23:15 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/111451 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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