Mechanics and thermodynamics of biological muscle-a simple model approach

Abstract

Macroscopic muscle models allow for a detailed analysis of the mechanic and thermodynamic function of biological muscles. Here we summarize results from various simulation studies which emphasize the extraordinary design features of biological muscles. Discussed are the benefits resulting from (2) wobbling masses and the muscles soft-tissue inertia effects, (2) biological damping, (3) internal mass distribution, (4) stabilising properties of active muscles in upright stance and periodic hopping, (5) reduced control effort due to these stabilizing effects. We present approaches to systematically transfer these results to technical actuators and exploit these properties in the next generation of functional artificial muscles.