Introduction to Biomechanics

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to engineering mechanics in the context of biomechanics. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how the musculoskeletal system reacts to various mechanical forces applied to it in both static and dynamic conditions. Sporting examples are used to illustrate how classical Newtonian mechanics is applied in human locomotion externally, in interactions with the environment. The course describes how basics of kinetics and kinematics are used to analyze the mechanics of human movement and inanimate objects. The main areas addressed are static equilibrium, mechanical stability, linear and angular kinematics, motion with constant and non-constant acceleration, collision and conservation of momentum, work, energy, and power. The course develops an awareness and appreciation of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods within the field of biomechanics. In addition to rigid body mechanics, the course also introduces students to the concepts of stress and strain and how they affect muscle tissue and bones. Mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance are considered in the context of bone structures and loading.