simulating upper limb prostheses dynamics

simulating upper limb prostheses dynamics

Ann Ramos Gravagne

5/9/2000

Dear subscribers,
    I am a robotics doctoral student interested in simulating dynamic motion of
upper limb prosthetic/arm systems. Ideally, I would like to produce a study
investigating both body powered and myoelectric systems. In order to do so, I
need information on the masses, moments of inertia, and centers of gravity of a
variety of upper limb prosthetic systems.

Also, I would like to pose the following questions to the group:
In fitting an upper limb prosthesis, does the center of gravity of the
arm/prosthesis system play a direct role in which components are used for a
given client?
Do you have clients, such as children or athletes, who are active in sports
requiring extensive use of their prosthesis? Other than wear, what challenges
has this presented?

Finally, I'm aware of work examining the inertial characteristics of lower
extremity prostheses and optimizing these for walking. Does something similar
exist for upper extremity tasks?

I look forward to any help that you can provide.

Thanks!

Ann

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Ann Ramos Gravagne
Research Assistant Phone: (864) 656-7956
Electrical Engineering Fax: (864) 656-7220
Clemson University