Minimization Methods in the Development of Biodynamic Models

Abstract : Mechanical vibrations disturb physiological processes and can inflict injuries. Dynamic forces produce internal relative displacements which interfere with physiological events and thus determine human tolerance. These events must be analyzed if the response of the body under vibrations is to be understood. Customary dynamic analysis is based on a model of the system which is a combination of lumped masses, spring factors, and damping factors, or it is an individual or a combination of continuous elements. The dynamics can now be formulated and quantitatively evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of mathematical techniques that do not require prior knowledge of a specific model structure. The procedures derive both model structure and values for the model parameter by minimizing the differences between model performance and experimental observation.