In: Physics
The moment arm of the biceps is approximately 2 cm from the axis of rotation of the elbow and the force vector representing the biceps is approximately 115 degrees from the positive x-axis. If the weight of the forearm and hand is 21 N and the center of mass of the segment is 13 cm from the elbow joint:
The forces are as shown above. muscle force act at 115 deg with the horizontal.
Only the vertical comp. produce torque about the joint. . Horizontal comp. passes through the joint and no torque. The force makes (115-90) = 25 deg with the vertical.
For the joint to be in static equilibrium
moments about the joint
M = Fm Cos(25) * 2cm - 21* 13 cm = 0
Fm = 21*13/(2 *Cos(25)) = 150.6 N
Let Rx and Ry be the joint reaction in x and y (up) directions
Fx = Rx + Fm Cos(115) =0 ; sum of forces in x-direction
= Rx + 150.6 * Cos(115) =0
Rx = 63.65 N - horizontal reaction
Fy = Ry + Fm Sin(115) =0 ; sum of forces in y-direction
= Ry + 150.6 * Sin(115) - 21=0
Ry = -115.5 N - vertical reaction
direction of the reaction
tan(r) = Ry /Rx = -115.5/63.65
r = -61.14 0 ,
The joint reaction is oriented -61.14 deg. with the horizontal. i.e. it is below the horizontal.