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Method to Measure Tone of Axial and Proximal Muscle
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Torsional locomotion.

D Bigoni1, F Dal Corso1, D Misseroni1

  • 1DICAM , University of Trento , via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy.

Proceedings. Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
|November 11, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Applying torque to a smooth elastic rod generates an expulsive axial force, independent of socket shape. This phenomenon explains screwdriver disengagement and enables novel torsional locomotion.

Keywords:
Eshelbian mechanicsconfigurational forcematerial forcemotilitysmooth contact

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Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Mechanics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Elastic rods subjected to torque typically exhibit rotational motion.
  • Frictionless constraints are often assumed to simplify mechanical analyses.
  • Understanding forces in constrained systems is crucial for engineering applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To theoretically and experimentally investigate the axial force generated in a smoothly constrained elastic rod under torque.
  • To explain the disengagement of tools like screwdrivers at high torque.
  • To demonstrate and explore a novel form of locomotion driven by torsional forces.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of an elastic rod with one end in a frictionless socket and the other under torque.
  • Experimental validation of the theoretical predictions.
  • Development of a 'torsional gun' device to showcase the principle.

Main Results:

  • A uniform twisting moment generates an expulsive axial force on the elastic rod.
  • The magnitude of this axial force is independent of the socket head's shape.
  • This force provides a mechanism for torsional locomotion along smooth channels.

Conclusions:

  • Frictionless constraints can induce axial forces in elastic rods under torsion.
  • The discovered axial force explains tool disengagement and enables torque-driven propulsion.
  • This principle has potential applications in novel actuation and locomotion systems.