Publication
Title
Take-off and landing forces in jumping frogs
Author
Abstract
Anurans use a saltatorial (jumping) mode of locomotion. A jumping cycle can be divided into four sub-phases: propulsion, flight, landing and recovery. We studied the landing phase during locomotion in Rana esculenta by measuring the ground reaction forces during propulsion and landing over a range of distances. Landing performance affects locomotor ability in jumping frogs. Landing and recovery together take up one third of the locomotor cycle. Peak landing forces are on average almost three times larger than propulsive forces. The forelimbs appear to be fully extended when they make contact with the substrate and absorb the first impact peak. The height of this peak varies depending on arm positioning and jumping distance. Since the stiffness of the arms stays constant over the full jumping range, it is possible that this is a limiting factor in the ability of the forelimbs to work as dampers. A spring-dashpot model is used to model the effect of arm angle at touch down. Damping during landing is performed by placing the forelimbs at an optimal angle to cancel frictional forces effectively.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The journal of experimental biology. - London, 1930, currens
Publication
London : 2006
ISSN
0022-0949 [print]
1477-9145 [online]
DOI
10.1242/JEB.01969
Volume/pages
209 :1 (2006) , p. 66-77
ISI
000235020200016
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.01.2013
Last edited 17.12.2021
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