NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ROURKELA

MID - SEMESTER EXAMINATION

SESSION: 2021 – 2022 (SPRING)

B.Tech (4rd semester)

Subject code : BM 2500 Subject Name : Biomechanics Dept. Code: BM

No. of pages :2 Max. Mark : 30 Duration: 2 Hours

Answer all questions from Q1 to Q5 and any one of the choice (a) or (b) for Q6.
All parts of a question should be answered in one place.

Q.No Particulars Marks

1 What is biomechanics? Using suitable examples, discuss some applications of the 4
biomechanics.
2 “Tigers use the tail for balance when making sharp turns in pursuit of prey,” is the 4
statement true or false? Discuss your view point with reference to this statement
and justify.
3 Assuming linear motion, determine the equations governing the motion of the 4
albatross during take-off and landing (refer to figure 1).
4 What is virtual work done? Explain the significance of the method in solving 4
physical problems.
5 Determine the tension required for lifting the weight as shown in the figure 2. 4
6. a. A trendelenburg gait is an abnormal gait resulting from a defective hip abductor 10
mechanism (figure 3). Hip abduction is the movement of the leg away from the
midline of the body as shown in the figure. This movement is caused by the hip
abductors which are a major group of muscles found in the buttocks. Using the
basic principle of mechanics, explain as to how this abnormality may impact
walking on a smooth surface and on a rough surface. (Hint: free body diagram)
OR
b. Fundamentally, flamingos stand on one leg to avoid muscular fatigue (figure 4). 10
“Believe it or not, flamingos are more stable for long periods of time on one leg
than they are on two. This is because the ligaments and tendons in their legs can be
locked in position – and that reduces any muscular effort to stay in one place.” As a
biomechanical engineer deduce a biomechanical model of the flamingo balance
problem. (Hint: free body diagram)
 Fig. 1: Albatross during take-off
Fig. 2: Lifting of weight using biceps

Fig. 3: Illustration of a trendelenburg gait

Fig. 4: Flamingo balance showing close up image of
(upper panel) with definition of abduction
the foot
(lower panel)

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