Dynamic Model of the Octopus Arm. I. Biomechanics of the Octopus Reaching Movement

2005 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 1443-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoram Yekutieli ◽  
Roni Sagiv-Zohar ◽  
Ranit Aharonov ◽  
Yaakov Engel ◽  
Binyamin Hochner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Dynamic Model ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Constant Volume ◽  
Reaching Movement ◽  
Drag Forces ◽  
Direction Of Movement ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
External Forces

The octopus arm requires special motor control schemes because it consists almost entirely of muscles and lacks a rigid skeletal support. Here we present a 2D dynamic model of the octopus arm to explore possible strategies of movement control in this muscular hydrostat. The arm is modeled as a multisegment structure, each segment containing longitudinal and transverse muscles and maintaining a constant volume, a prominent feature of muscular hydrostats. The input to the model is the degree of activation of each of its muscles. The model includes the external forces of gravity, buoyancy, and water drag forces (experimentally estimated here). It also includes the internal forces generated by the arm muscles and the forces responsible for maintaining a constant volume. Using this dynamic model to investigate the octopus reaching movement and to explore the mechanisms of bend propagation that characterize this movement, we found the following. 1) A simple command producing a wave of muscle activation moving at a constant velocity is sufficient to replicate the natural reaching movements with similar kinematic features. 2) The biomechanical mechanism that produces the reaching movement is a stiffening wave of muscle contraction that pushes a bend forward along the arm. 3) The perpendicular drag coefficient for an octopus arm is nearly 50 times larger than the tangential drag coefficient. During a reaching movement, only a small portion of the arm is oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement, thus minimizing the drag force.

Moving a generalised limb: a simulation with consequences for theories on limb control

2005 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Equilibrium Points ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
The Real ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Direction Of Movement ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Virtual Trajectory

AbstractThe movement control of articulated limbs in vertebrates has been explained in terms of equilibrium points and moving equilibrium points or virtual trajectories. These hypotheses state that the nervous system makes the control of multi-segment limbs easier by simply planning in terms of these equilibrium points and trajectories. The present paper elaborates on a planar computer simulation of an articulated three-segment limb, controlled by pairs of muscles. The nature of the virtual trajectory is analysed when the limb is required to make fast movements with endpoint movements along a straight line with bell-shaped velocity profiles. It appears that the faster the movement, the more the virtual trajectory deviates from the real trajectory, becoming up to eight times longer. The complexity of the shape of the virtual trajectories in these fast movements makes it unlikely that the nervous system plans to use these trajectories. It seems simpler to set up the required bursts of muscle activation, coupled in the nervous system to the direction of movement, the speed and the place in workspace. Finally, it is argued that the two types of explanation do not contradict each other: when a relation is established in the nervous system between muscle activation and movements, equilibrium points and virtual trajectories are implicitly part of that relation.

scholarly journals Multi-Joint Dynamics and the Development of Movement Control

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Otten
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Equilibrium Points ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Joint Dynamics ◽  
Direction Of Movement ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Virtual Trajectory

The movement control of articulated limbs in humans has been explained in terms of equilibrium points and moving equilibrium points or virtual trajectories. One hypothesis is that the nervous system controls multi-segment limbs by simply planning in terms of these equilibrium points and trajectories. The present paper describes a planar computer simulation of an articulated three-segment limb, controlled by pairs of muscles. The shape of the virtual trajectory is analyzed when the limb is required to make fast movements with endpoint movements along a straight line with bell-shaped velocity profiles. Apparently, the faster the movement, the more the virtual trajectory deviates from the real trajectory and becomes up to eight times longer. The complexity of the shape of the virtual trajectories and its length in these fast movements makes it unlikely that the nervous system plans using these trajectories. it seems simpler to set up the required bursts of muscle activation, coupled in the nervous system to the direction of movement, the s peed, and the place in workspace. Finally, it is argued that the two types of explanation do not contradict each other: when a relation is established in the nervous system between muscle activation and movements, equilibrium points and virtual trajectories are necessarily part of that relation.

Development of an Apparatus for Bilateral Rhythmical Training of Arm Movement Via Linear and Elliptical Trajectories of Various Directions

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zlatko Matjačić ◽  
Matjaž Zadravec ◽  
Jakob Oblak
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Arm Cycling ◽  
Arm Reaching ◽  
Direction Of Movement ◽  
Muscle Groups ◽  
Neurologically Intact

Clinical rehabilitation of individuals with various neurological disorders requires a significant number of movement repetitions in order to improve coordination and restoration of appropriate muscle activation patterns. Arm reaching movement is frequently practiced via motorized arm cycling ergometers where the trajectory of movement is circular thus providing means for practicing a single and rather nonfunctional set of muscle activation patterns, which is a significant limitation. We have developed a novel mechanism that in the combination with an existing arm ergometer device enables nine different movement modalities/trajectories ranging from purely circular trajectory to four elliptical and four linear trajectories where the direction of movement may be varied. The main objective of this study was to test a hypothesis stating that different movement modalities facilitate differences in muscle activation patterns as a result of varying shape and direction of movement. Muscle activation patterns in all movement modalities were assessed in a group of neurologically intact individuals in the form of recording the electromyographic (EMG) activity of four selected muscle groups of the shoulder and the elbow. Statistical analysis of the root mean square (RMS) values of resulting EMG signals have shown that muscle activation patterns corresponding to each of the nine movement modalities significantly differ in order to accommodate to variation of the trajectories shape and direction. Further, we assessed muscle activation patterns following the same protocol in a selected clinical case of hemiparesis. These results have shown the ability of the selected case subject to produce different muscle activation patterns as a response to different movement modalities which show some resemblance to those assessed in the group of neurologically intact individuals. The results of the study indicate that the developed device may significantly extend the scope of strength and coordination training in stroke rehabilitation which is in current clinical rehabilitation practice done through arm cycling.

scholarly journals DETERMINATION OF DEFORMABILITY PARAMETERS OF CONCRETE SAMPLES BY THE FORMULAS OF FRACTURE MECHANICS

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-98
Author(s):  
B. A Bondarev ◽  
N. N Chernousov ◽  
V. A Sturova
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Mechanics ◽  
Lower Surface ◽  
Local Deformation ◽  
Concrete Sample ◽  
Test Scheme ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Bending Load ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
The Moment ◽  
External Forces

To determine the deformability parameters of concrete samples by the formulas of fracture mechanics, equilibrium tests were carried out at the stage of local deformation of the sample, which showed the correspondence of the change in external forces to the internal forces of the material resistance with the corresponding static development of the main crack. For the same purpose, the samples are tested for bending with an initial notch and the “load-deflection” diagram is recorded. In this work, we presented a test scheme for a specimen with a notch (crack) and constructed a diagram of the deformation of a specimen under bending “load-deflection”. Based on it, it is possible to predict the destruction of the material, that is, to determine the value of the load at which the limit value of deflection or the displacement of the outer edges of the notch (opening the throat of the crack on the lower surface of the specimen) can be taken as the moment of loss of the resource of the material. Also, we examined the deformation of a concrete sample during three-point bending and presented a diagram of the deformation of a concrete sample within the plastic zone. Dependencies were derived for determining the ultimate relative strains under tension and bending. Based on the results obtained, the state diagrams of the stretched concrete and the deformation scheme of the normal section of the concrete sample were constructed. As a result, the conclusion and convergence of the results.

scholarly journals Numerical Modeling of Particles Separation Method Based on Compound Electric Field

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 5999
Author(s):  
Min Wang ◽  
Junchen Zou ◽  
Hongli Zhang ◽  
Yuan Wei ◽  
Shulin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Field Strength ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Electric Field Strength ◽  
Dynamic Model ◽  
Drag Force ◽  
Particle Separation ◽  
Nonlinear Dynamic Model ◽  
Different Diameters

This paper shows the results of simulation of features and usability of a proposed method for particle matter (PM) separation detection based on composite electric field. Considering the composite electric field and drag coefficient, a nonlinear dynamic model of particle separation is established. Meanwhile, the model takes into account the changes in the dynamic model caused by the different diameters and different speeds of the particles, and uses the effect of the composite electric field to separate the PM. Numerical simulation results show that the PM diameter, electric field strength, and drag force have significant effects on the separation of particles. Among them, as the drag force decreases, the particle separation displacement gradually increases, and the electric field affects the particle separation direction. In the acceleration room, the particle velocity increases with the increasing of the electric field strength. In the separation room, the displacement of the particulate matter in the Y-axis direction gradually increases from a negative displacement to a positive displacement as the electric field strength increases. The displacement forms a bow shape. When the drag coefficient is changed, the displacement will suddenly increase while it is lower than a certain value. Considering the change of electric field and drag force at the same time, the separation effect would be more obvious when the drag coefficient is smaller. The electric field strength affects the separation direction of the particulate matter.

scholarly journals Numerical Investigation of the Flow around a Feather Shuttlecock with Rotation

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
John Hart ◽  
Jonathan Potts
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Numerical Investigation ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamic ◽  
High Reynolds Number ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Drag Forces ◽  
High Reynolds

This paper presents the first scale resolving computational fluid dynamic (CFD) investigation of a geometrically realistic feather shuttlecock with rotation at a high Reynolds number. Rotation was found to reduce the drag coefficient of the shuttlecock. However, the drag coefficient is shown to be independent of the Reynolds number for both rotating and statically fixed shuttlecocks. Particular attention is given to the influence of rotation on the development of flow structures. Rotation is shown to have a clear influence on the formation of flow structures particularly from the feather vanes, and aft of the shuttlecock base. This further raises concerns regarding wind tunnel studies that use traditional experimental sting mounts; typically inserted into this aft region, they have potential to compromise both flow structure and resultant drag forces. As CFD does not necessitate use of a sting with proper application, it has great potential for a detailed study and analysis of shuttlecocks.

scholarly journals Job Opening for Nucleosome Mechanic: Flexibility Required

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Pitman ◽  
Daniël P. Melters ◽  
Yamini Dalal
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Computational Modeling ◽  
Chromatin Fiber ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches ◽  
External Cues ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
Innovative Work ◽  
External Forces ◽  
Chromatin Biology

The nucleus has been studied for well over 100 years, and chromatin has been the intense focus of experiments for decades. In this review, we focus on an understudied aspect of chromatin biology, namely the chromatin fiber polymer’s mechanical properties. In recent years, innovative work deploying interdisciplinary approaches including computational modeling, in vitro manipulations of purified and native chromatin have resulted in deep mechanistic insights into how the mechanics of chromatin might contribute to its function. The picture that emerges is one of a nucleus that is shaped as much by external forces pressing down upon it, as internal forces pushing outwards from the chromatin. These properties may have evolved to afford the cell a dynamic and reversible force-induced communication highway which allows rapid coordination between external cues and internal genomic function.

Organizing principles for voluntary movement: extending single-joint rules

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 1374-1381 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. L. Almeida ◽  
D. A. Hong ◽  
D. Corcos ◽  
G. L. Gottlieb
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
General Rule ◽  
Dynamic Interactions ◽  
Multijoint Movement ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Antagonist Muscles ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Emg Patterns

1. Four subjects performed fast flexions of the elbow or shoulder over three different distances. Elbow flexions were performed both in a horizontal, single-degree-of-freedom manipulandum and in a sagittal plane with the limb unconstrained. Shoulder flexions were only performed in the sagittal plane by the unconstrained limb. We simultaneously recorded kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) patterns at the “focal” joint, that which the subject intentionally flexed, and at the other, “nonfocal” joint that the subject had been instructed to not flex. 2. Comparisons of the elbow EMG patterns across tasks show that agonist and antagonist muscles were similar in pattern but not size, reflecting the net muscle torque patterns. Comparisons at the shoulder also revealed similar EMG patterns across tasks that reflected net muscle torques. 3. Comparisons of EMG patterns across joints show that elbow and shoulder flexors behaved similarly. This was not true of the extensors. The triceps EMG burst was delayed for longer distances but the posterior deltoid had an early, distance-invariant onset. 4. Similarities in EMG reflect torque demands required at the focal joint to produce flexion and at the nonfocal joint to reduce extension induced by dynamic interactions with the focal, flexing joint. These similarities appear despite very different kinematic intentions and outcomes. This argues against a strong role for length-sensitive reflexes in their generation. 5. These results support the hypothesis that movements are controlled by muscle activation patterns that are planned for the expected torque requirements of the task. This general rule is true whether we are performing single-joint or multiple-joint movements, with or without external constraints. The similarities between single-joint and multijoint movement control may be a consequence of ontogenetic development of multijoint movement strategies that prove useful and are therefore also expressed under the constrained conditions of specialized tasks such as those performed in single-joint manipulanda.

Experimental Study of the Vertical Hydraulic Drag Force on Regular Tetrahedron

2013 ◽  
Vol 860-863 ◽  
pp. 1547-1550
Author(s):  
Rui Le ◽  
Wei Jiang ◽  
Qi Liu ◽  
Nan Chang Sun ◽  
Bing Xu
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Drag Force ◽  
Vertical Velocity ◽  
Hydraulic Engineering ◽  
Hydraulic Drag ◽  
Regular Tetrahedron ◽  
Impact Effect ◽  
Drag Forces ◽  
The Impact

It is well known that the hydraulic drag force on objects cant be ignored in computing the movement of objects in water. And the drag forces on sphere and cuboids have long been studied. While in hydraulic engineering, objects with regular tetrahedron shape are widely used to form the foundation and temporary dam for they can interlock each other to obtain a compacted integral. In this article the vertical hydraulic drag force on regular tetrahedron is studied by indoor experiments, the relation of the vertical hydraulic drag coefficient and the vertical velocity is proposed. And the max vertical speeds of different materials are deduced. The result is helpful to compute the movement of regular tetrahedron in water and estimate the impact effect on the groundwork.

Mechanical state of airway smooth muscle at very short lengths

2004 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 655-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Meiss ◽  
Ramana M. Pidaparti
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Mechanical Behavior ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Smooth Muscle Tissue ◽  
Cross Bridge ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
External Forces

Although the shortening of smooth muscle at physiological lengths is dominated by an interaction between external forces (loads) and internal forces, at very short lengths, internal forces appear to dominate the mechanical behavior of the active tissue. We tested the hypothesis that, under conditions of extreme shortening and low external force, the mechanical behavior of isolated canine tracheal smooth muscle tissue can be understood as a structure in which the force borne and exerted by the cross bridge and myofilament array is opposed by radially disposed connective tissue in the presence of an incompressible fluid matrix (cellular and extracellular). Strips of electrically stimulated tracheal muscle were allowed to shorten maximally under very low afterload, and large longitudinal sinusoidal vibrations (34 Hz, 1 s in duration, and up to 50% of the muscle length before vibration) were applied to highly shortened (active) tissue strips to produce reversible cross-bridge detachment. During the vibration, peak muscle force fell exponentially with successive forced elongations. After the episode, the muscle either extended itself or exerted a force against the tension transducer, depending on external conditions. The magnitude of this effect was proportional to the prior muscle stiffness and the amplitude of the vibration, indicating a recoil of strained connective tissue elements no longer opposed by cross-bridge forces. This behavior suggests that mechanical behavior at short lengths is dominated by tissue forces within a tensegrity-like structure made up of connective tissue, other extracellular matrix components, and active contractile elements.

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