"Walking-mode maps" based on slip/non-slip criteria

"Walking-Mode Maps", based on Slip/Non-Slip criteria, are proposed. Slip/Non-Slip criteria are expressed as follows: for a slip to occur: |F(h)/F(n)|(h) > or = mu(s) or |F(h)/F(n)|(t) > or = mu(s); for no slip to occur: |F(h)/F(n)|(h) < mu(s) or |F(h)/F(n)|(t) < mu(s). |F(h)/F(n)|(h) and |F(h)/F(n)|(t) are the maximum peak value of the traction coefficient at heel-strike and toe-off respectively, and mu(s) is the static friction coefficient between shoe sole and walkway. The "Walking-Mode Map" for the level-surface shows the possible regime of each walking mode as Slip, Slip possible or No slip. Our results, which are based upon a small population and strictly-specified test conditions, indicate that a static friction coefficient higher than 0.47 will prevent both forward and backward slips under our test conditions and under a range of step lengths of 0.55 to 0.95 m and walking speeds of 1.0 to 1.9 m/s. We also found that shorter steps reduce the chance of a slip. A "Walking-Mode Map" for inclined-surface ambulation has also been developed. The inclined-surface results show the friction and inclination-angle-related regime of each walking mode: Slip, Forward slip at heel-strike phase in descending, Backward slip at toe-off phase in ascending, or No slip. Again, extreme caution must be taken in generalizing these small-sample results (n=1, for the inclined tests) to the general population.