Modeling the Horse’s Musculo-Skeletal System: A Step Towards the Design of Bionic Motorcycle Frame

Abstract:

In this paper we develope and analyse a 3D model of horse’s musculo-skeletal system as a bionic inspiration which can lead to the design of a cross-country motorcycle frame. Based on the great running and load carrying ability of the horse we were inspired to observe its biomechanical functions, extract useful principles, and simplify the extracted information for modeling. We represent the horse’s musculo-skeletal system by seven cylindrical beams connected together by hinge joints, and then analyze it using ANSYS software. The analysis results shows that the vibration and stress in the model can be minimize by changing the joints between the beams from rigid to hinge joints under different spring bars’ stiffness. This model can provide useful information to improve the functional characteristics of motorcycle frames.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 34-35)
• Pages: 1092-1097
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.34-35.1092
• Online since: October 2010
• Authors: Yi Min Shao, Rom Li Simon, Bira Hima Gueye
• Keywords: Biomechanics, Bionic Design, Horse’s Musculo-Skeletal Model, Motorcycle Frame

References

[1] Wan-Ting, ChiuShang-Chia, Chiou, Discussion on Theories of Bionic Design NationalYunlin University of Science and Technology/Taiwan.

[2] Milton H., The Mechanics of Horse Legs, American scientist, volume75, pp.594-601.

[3] Ling Zhao, Wu-yi Chen, Jian-feng Ma, Yong-bin Yang, Structural Bionic Design and ExperimentalVerification of a Machine Tool Column, Journal of Bionic Engineering Suppl (2008) 46-52.

DOI: 10.1016/s1672-6529(08)60071-2

[4] Patrick van der Smagt Markus Grebenstein, Holger Urbanek, Nadine Fligge, Michael Strohmayr, Georg Stillfried, Jonathon Parrish, Agneta Gustus, Robotics of human movements, Journal of Physiology - Paris 103 (2009) 119-132.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2009.07.009

[5] Jesse F. B, 1982. Animal Anatomy and Physiology, 2nd Edition. Reston, Virginia, p.43.

[6] L.A. Lawrence, Horse Conformation Analysis, Washington state university Extension EB1613.

[7] Benno M. N, Walter H., 2007. Biomechanics of Musculo-skeletal System, 3rd Edition, Willey, west Sussex.

[8] Andrew A. B., Allometry of Quadrupedal Locomotion: The Scaling of Duty Factor, Bone curvature and Limb orientation to Body size, Journal of Experimental Biology 105, 147-171(1983).

DOI: 10.1242/jeb.105.1.147

[9] Information on http: /www. holistichorsheath. com/acatalog/Photo_7_Horse_skeleton.