Refresher Course (Static Mechanics, Kinematics, Dynamics)

Biomechanics is primarily based on various mechanical theories (solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, etc.) applied to the study of biological systems. Since the Biomechanics course is open to an audience that may not necessarily be experts in mechanics (doctors, orthopedists, physical therapists, etc.), it is necessary to introduce this audience to the basic concepts of rigid-body mechanics. Indeed, the human body can be considered, as a first approximation, as a set of body segments (foot, leg, thigh, hip, torso, etc.) connected by joints. These segments can be modeled as rigid bodies in order to study aspects related to the body’s static equilibrium, such as its movements, as well as impacts and trauma.  

The objective of this course is to provide the fundamentals of (i) statics (including concepts of strength of materials), (ii) kinematics, and (iii) dynamics of rigid bodies.

This course is project-based and will focus on issues in human biomechanics such as (non-exhaustive list):

- Study of the equilibrium positions of the body or its parts in various positions.

- kinematic analysis of walking

- Identification of the energy aspects related to movement and their connection to the muscles involved

- application of force and assessment of traumatic injuries (rupture, etc.)

Recommended*:

Analysis and Algebra for L1

Basic knowledge of anatomy

Vectors and Vector Calculus

Trigonometry

CC