Design of a multi-axis force transducer with applications in track and field

The objective of this thesis is the design and implementation of a multi-axis force transducer to be integrated into a set of track and field starting blocks. The feedback from this transducer can be used by athletes and coaches to analyze race starts, with the intention of maximizing the runner's speed and power while decreasing wasted side loads and torques. This thesis describes the design of the transducer itself and the supporting infrastructure that connects it to an existing pair of track starting blocks. The transducer is tested in several field trials and generates a measurable voltage output that varies linearly with applied load and loading position. Data collected from the field trials is further analyzed to give insight into the starting mechanics of a collegiate sprinter.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Traina, Zachary J

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Warren Seering.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/32963

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/32963