biomechanics.how

intermediate · YAML-driven interactive example

Spring Contact

Approximate hoof-ground or bit-string contact as a spring and damper to explore how stiffness, damping, and pull influence peak contact force.

Rapier scene + validated YAML APIinitializing

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Parameter definitions

Stiffness (N/m)

Force generated for each unit of compression during contact.

Damping (relative)

Velocity-dependent force that dissipates energy during contact.

Pull (cm)

External pull or preload that drives the mass toward contact.

Concepts

Contact force

Compression of a spring-like contact generates force; damping changes how abruptly that force rises and falls.

Experiments

  1. Increase stiffness while keeping damping constant.
    The same compression should produce a larger contact force.