How to Calculate FM in a Walking Person Using a Cane?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the force FM exerted by abductor muscles in a walking person using a cane. The scenario involves a person weighing 519 N, with specific measurements including a leg length of 0.96 m and a cane positioned 34.00 cm from the vertical axis. The calculation requires understanding torque, with the equation for net torque set to zero. The user attempts to derive FM using the principles of torque and lever arms but struggles with determining the torque of the leg.

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  • Understanding of torque and equilibrium in physics.
  • Familiarity with the anatomy of the human leg and forces acting on it.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, particularly sine.
  • Ability to apply principles of mechanics to real-world scenarios.
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  • Study the principles of torque and equilibrium in static systems.
  • Learn about the biomechanics of walking and the role of the center of mass.
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Students in biomechanics, physical therapy professionals, and anyone interested in the physics of human movement and the mechanics of using assistive devices like canes.

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Homework Statement



http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2135/21592808vx2.th.jpg http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php

In class you learned that when a person walks, their centre of mass must be positioned directly above the foot their weight is resting on. The figure shows the anatomy of the right leg of length L = 0.96 m for a person weighing Wb = 519 N who is walking with a cane on their left side. The figure shows the instant during the stride when the person has one sixth of their body weight resting on the cane. The cane is located a distance D = 34.00 cm from their vertical axis. By using the cane, the person is able to position their vertical axis a distance x, 6.80cm, from their right foot. The weight of the leg is WL = Wb/7 and has a centre of mass that is located a distance 0.43·L from the ankle. The socket of the pelvis (acetabulum) exerts a force FA on the head of the femur. The net force FM of a series of abductor muscles is applied to the top of the femur (greater trochanter) at an angle of 70° with respect to the horizontal. The distance from the greater trochanter to the acetabulum is dA = 7.8 cm, and to the sacrum is dS = 20.1 cm. Calculate the magnitude of FM.

Homework Equations



Sum of all Torque = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



0 = -(0.078m x Fm sin70) + Torque of Leg (?) + (5/6 x 519 N x 0.055 m)

Solve for Fm, right?
but I can't figure out the Torque of the leg.
 
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I've recently tried this...

Thinking of similar triangles
rleg*moment arm of leg* = ([(ds-da)-x]/L) x ( L x 0.43)

then, I did this
0 = -T(leg) + T(n) - T(m)
0 = -(rleg x [Wb/7]) + ([(ds-da)-x] x [5/6 x Wb]) (sin theta x da x Fm)

Solve for Fm

but I have no luck.
 

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