BIOM9510

Introductory Biomechanics

Lecture 6

Anne Simmons
a.simmons@unsw.edu.au
Lectures from now

 More statics
 Mechanics of materials
 Kinematics and Dynamics
 Work Power and Energy
 Instrumentation in biomechanics
 Seminars 1
 Seminars 2 and revision
Today

 Techniques for literature searches

 Quiz return and discussion
 Some statics revision
 Statics tutorial
 Group assignment
Statics

 Make assumptions
 Define system
 Assume static equilibrium
 Resolve forces and moments
Some typical assumptions

 The body is rigid

 The problem is two dimensional
 No friction
 Limited number of forces
 Limited number of reaction forces
Free body diagrams

 The system is carefully defined and

isolated from its surroundings
 All external forces are indicated including
 Ground reaction forces
 Reaction forces where the body has
been detached
 Weight at the centre of gravity
 Applied forces
 Dimensions
Static equilibrium of a rigid body

In two dimensions, equations are:

 Σ Fx = 0
 Σ Fy = 0
 Σ Mz = 0
An example
 Lower leg flexion/
extension while wearing a
weight to strengthen the
quadriceps muscles
 Quadriceps is attached to
the tibia via the patellar
tendon
 Analyse the reaction force
applied by the femur on
the tibial plateau
 W1 is the weight of the lower
leg
 W0 is the weight of the boot
 FM is the tensile force exerted
by the quads on the tibia via
the patellar tendon
 FJ is the reaction force applied
by the femur on the tibial
plateau
 TF joint is located at O
 Patellar tendon attached to
tibia at A
 θ = angle of FM to axis of leg
 β = angle of leg to horizontal
 W1 is the weight of the lower
leg
 W0 is the weight of the boot
 FM is the tensile force exerted
by the quads on the tibia via
the patellar tendon
 FJ is the reaction force applied
by the femur on the tibial
plateau
 TF joint is located at O
 Patellar tendon attached to
tibia at A
 θ = angle of FM to axis of leg
 β = angle of leg to horizontal
Resolution of the joint forces
gives:

(bW1 + cW0) cosβ

M = ___________________
a sinθ

Rx = M cos (θ + β)

Ry = M sin (θ + β) – W0 – W1
For
a = 12cm
b = 22cm
c = 50cm
W1 = 150N
W0 = 100N
θ = 15o
β = 45o

M = 1381N
R = 1171N
Statics tutorial

 See handout

 Reminder
Assignment is due no later than
5pm 28th April in Anne Simmons’
pigeonhole in GSBmE office