Inverted Pendulum Model of Walking

In order to analyze an otherwise complex system, a common and simple model of walking is used that treats the body’s center of mass as an inverted pendulum that rotates about the foot. Using video analysis, students can visually see the pendulum like behavior of their steps and can measure important quantities necessary for the analysis of their motion. Topics such as velocity, center of mass, simple harmonic motion, and energy conservation make this activity appropriate for the physics classroom while providing links to biomechanics and the human body.

Learning Goals

Inverted Pendulum Learning Goals 

Lab Instructions

Inverted Pendulum Laboratory Guide

Assessments

Inverted Pendulum Quiz

Presentations

Justin C. Dunlap, Angela Steichen, Crystal Wright, and Ralf Widenhorn, "Video Analysis of the Inverted Pendulum Model of Walking," AAPT Winter Conference, Ontario, California (February 2012).