Biomechanics

Newton's third law of motion

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Friction

Force acting over the area of contact between two surfaces, opposing their motion.

Momentum

The quantity of motion that an object possesses, calculated as the product of its mass and velocity.

Impulse

Change in momentum of a system, dependent on the magnitude and duration of applied force.

Work

Force applied against a resistance multiplied by displacement.

Power

Rate of work production, calculated as work divided by time.

Kinetic energy

Energy of motion; increases with velocity.

Potential energy

Energy of position; includes strain energy from deformed bodies.

Levers

Simple machines consisting of a rigid bar that rotates around an axis or fulcrum.

First-class lever

Lever where the fulcrum is between the effort and load.

Second-class lever

Lever where the load is between the effort and fulcrum.

Third-class lever

Lever where the effort is applied between the load and the fulcrum.

Ground reaction force (GRF)

Force exerted by the ground on a body in contact with it.

Biomechanics

Study of movement and the forces that cause it.

Artificial knee

Prosthetic joint designed to mimic the function of a human knee.

C-leg

First knee to include microprocessor control for hydraulic movement.

Flex-foot

Prosthetic foot designed to store and release kinetic energy.

Torque

Rotational force that causes an object to rotate about an axis.

Coefficient of friction

Ratio that describes the amount of frictional force between two surfaces in contact.