Figure 5

Averaged traction force data and numerical model of corresponding geometry. By superimposing the vectorial stress fields of multiple traction force microscopy measurements, an averaged stress field could be acquired that highlights similarities between individual measurements. For better visualization the average magnitudes of these stress fields are shown in color-coded images for high local curvature (A, N = 17) and normal curvature (B, N = 17). Scale bars correspond to 50 μm. Results from numerical simulations are shown in (C) and (D), for high local curvature and normal curvature, respectively. The model explains the high stress localization in the highly curved protrusions and the increased traction level homogeneously distributed along the collective’s perimeter at the normal curved perimeter.