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Nonlinear Locomotion: Mechanics, energetics, and optimality of walking in circles and other curved paths

Brown, Geoffrey L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339169797

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.
Most humans use walking as the primary form of locomotion for short distances. However, many scientific questions remain regarding how and why we walk the way we do. This thesis explores the energetics of “nonlinear” (or curved path) locomotion both by using computer simulations and optimization techniques as well as human subject experiments. Specifically we (1) Measure the metabolic cost of human walking around circular paths at various speeds and radii, (2) explain the trends in the metabolic cost data qualitatively using 3d trajectory optimization of a simple biped model, (3) use metabolic cost data to explain the observation that people walk slower around tighter curves and faster while walking around straight lines or bigger curves, and (4) use metabolic cost data to derive optimal locomotor paths for human walking.
Manoj Srinivasan, Ph.D (Advisor)
Alison Sheets, Ph.D (Committee Member)
Junmin Wang, Ph.D (Committee Member)
82 p.
Biomechanics
walking; circles; locomotion; energetics; metabolic cost; vo2; optimization

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Brown, G. L. (2012). Nonlinear Locomotion: Mechanics, energetics, and optimality of walking in circles and other curved paths [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339169797

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Brown, Geoffrey. Nonlinear Locomotion: Mechanics, energetics, and optimality of walking in circles and other curved paths. 2012. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339169797.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Brown, Geoffrey. "Nonlinear Locomotion: Mechanics, energetics, and optimality of walking in circles and other curved paths." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1339169797

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1339169797
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© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.