Biomechanical modelling of a horse rider

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Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Mühendislik Fakültesi, Makina Mühendisliği Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2014

Öğrenci: SİNEM GÖZDE DEFTERLİ

Danışman: REŞİT SOYLU

Özet:

In this study, a biomechanical horse rider model is developed. The rider is modeled, on the sagittal plane, using link segments representing the limbs of the body. The model which is a tree type structure kinematically, consists of 11 links connected by the revolute joints. Assuming that each of the joints is actuated by an equivalent muscle torque, the equations of motion of the rider model is developed. In this study, it is assumed that the actuating muscle torques applied by the rider and the equivalent forces applied by the horse on the rider are to be minimized. An appropriate performance measure is defined in order to achieve this goal. This performance measure is minimized subject to the biological constraints regarding the movement and torque limits of a human joint. A constraint, which ensures that the rider does not fall down from horseback, is also imposed. As two case studies, sitting trot and a sudden stop scenario are considered. Computer codes are developed, in MATLAB®, in order to realize these case studies.