Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

Larry E. Banta.

Abstract

In the past, computer controlled dynamometers have been used to perform isometric and isovelocity testing to study the effects of velocity, acceleration, and position on muscle injury. However, the effect of constant force on muscle injury in animals has not yet been studied.;A computer-controlled dynamometer was designed which could perform isometric, isovelocity, and isotonic testing on both male and female rats. A mechanical device was designed to position the rats for testing as well as provide a platform for the motor and other system components. All of the system components were connected electrically through a National Instruments UMI-7764 breakout box, which allowed for convenient integration of all the components. Individual programs were written in LabVIEW to perform concentric and eccentric isometric, isovelocity, and isotonic testing. The programs allowed for many variations to the standard programming such as isometric holds, repetitive cycles, and rest times.

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