Calculating Forces in a Leg: Gait Analysis and Joint Reaction Force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating forces in the context of gait analysis, specifically focusing on the ground reaction force (GRF) and the Achilles tendon force. The original poster presents a problem involving balance equations for the x and z axes, as well as moment calculations related to joint reaction forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to establish balance equations based on the components of GRF and the Achilles tendon force. They express uncertainty regarding their calculations and results, questioning the accuracy of their derived values.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided guidance on posting formats and encouraged the original poster to share their work in a more accessible manner. There is an ongoing exploration of the equations and assumptions involved in the problem, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has faced challenges with the forum's posting rules, particularly regarding the submission of attachments and the use of LaTeX for equations. They also indicate a busy schedule, which may affect their ability to engage fully with the problem at hand.

By55
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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
Basic eq that states that for a stationary object the sum of forces is 0 and for a statinary object also the sum of moments is 0.
TL;DR Summary: I had this question in my voluntary homework, but I cant seem to get it done the right way. I have tried to make the balance equations for the x and z axis as well as one for the moment.

Full question here, also as a PNG below
Based on the gait analysis experiments, the following information is available: the vertical component of ground reaction force (GRF) is 67 N, the horizontal component of GRF is 15 N. The horizontal distance between the GRF and the ankle joint b = 3.2 cm, and the vertical distance d = 2.6 cm. The inclination of the tibia in the sagittal plane is 10° and the Achilles tendon force is assumed to be parallel to the tibial longitudinal axis and acting at a distance of 25.4 mm. Calculate the Achilles tendon force and the joint reaction force. (answers: Ft ≈ 776 N, Rx ≈ 67 N, Rz ≈ 1.4 kN).

Typo in the picture, vertical GRF is 67N)
My answer so far in the pdf, ask if (when) there is something you cant understand
 

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Welcome to PF. Can you please attach the problem and diagram instead of linking off-site? That would help a lot. Thanks.
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to PF. Can you please attach the problem and diagram instead of linking off-site? That would help a lot. Thanks.
Oh, yes of course. My bad for missing the button to add attachments
 
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By55 said:
I have tried to make the balance equations for the x and z axis as well as one for the moment.
Please also post your attempt, per forum rules.
 
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Sorry for al this hassle. Posting this here since it doesn't let me edit the OG post anymore. But here is my train of thought so far:

Firstly lets define the point of GRF as B and the joint as A. Now ##B_z = 76N,~B_x = 15N##. Also we can get the x and z components from the Achilles tendon force ##F_t##.
$$F_x = sin(10)*F_t, ~F_z = cos(10)*F_t$$.
Now the x-axis balance is ##-B_x-R_x+sin(10)*F_t=0##
And for z-axis ##B_z-R_z+cos(10)*F_t=0##
And the moment balance $$0.032m*B_z-0.026*B_x-0.025m*F_x+0.0044m*F_z=0$$, where the lengts of B_z and B_x are from the assignment and for F_x and F_z they are calculated usind sin- and cos-functions. When solving these three equations, I get these answers that aren't even close to the correct ones.
Also I tried to calculate the F_t from the moment equation, since it is the only variable there, but get something like ##2.18N*10^5##
 
Last edited:
By55 said:
Sorry, it's there now
PDF is not a great choice. On my iPad I would have to download it.
Forum rules say you should type in your work, preferably using LaTeX.
Upload images for diagrams, of course, but images for equations are a pain, even if legible, because those responding cannot copy/paste. If you must upload images of your working, ensure they are clearly legible and number the equations.
 
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@By55 -- There is a "LaTeX Guide" link below the Edit window. I will send you some additional LaTeX tips now via Private Message (PM).
 
Really appreciate your patience, I have a ton going at the moment and now realise that this was maybe not the best time to ask help for this problem, but here we are. Thank you for the PM!
 
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