2134/5320
Fred Yeadon
Fred
Yeadon
The biomechanics of twisting somersaults. Part II: contact twist
Loughborough University
2009
Twist
Somersault
Model
Simulation
Biomechanics
Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified
2009-09-17 13:36:36
Journal contribution
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/The_biomechanics_of_twisting_somersaults_Part_II_contact_twist/9624797
A simulation model and a rigid body model are used to investigate twisting initiated during the
takeoff or contact phase. It is shown that it is possible to produce a full twist solely by building up
angular momentum in the arms during the contact phase. This method is only half as effective as
building up momentum in the whole body during contact. The introduction of twist into a somersault
changes the somersault rate by less than 1%. By timing arm adduction appropriately, it is possible
to take advantage of nutation and boost the initial value of the tilt angle and so obtain a greater
twist rate. Twist may be stopped by the action of piking, since the motion changes from the twisting
mode to the wobbling mode of rigid body motion. Transition to and from these two modes can be
used to increase or decrease the tilt angle and twist rate.