The physics of human motion (re. a sword swing)

[Adam]

Hello all, another question.

Can anyone explain to me please the details of, for example, a person swining a sword? How much body mass is involved, from which point do I measure the arc of the swing, how much energy is involved, et cetera?

Thanks.

[Alexander]

Assuming that you can throw ~10 lb sword (or other 10 lb mass) about 15-20 ft up you get K = P = mgh ~ 20-25 Joules, sword speed v=(2gh)1/2 ~ 30 ft/sec.

Swing point - your shoulder.