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Physics of Stationary and Dynamic Ergometers. By: Nathaniel Brown Tim Beauregard Andrew DiOrio Bryan Taylor. Ergometer Background. E xercise machine that measures work done pulling a chain. U sed to simulate the motion of rowing a boat on water.
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Physics of Stationary and Dynamic Ergometers By: Nathaniel Brown Tim Beauregard Andrew DiOrio Bryan Taylor
Ergometer Background • Exercise machine that measures work done pulling a chain. • Used to simulate the motion of rowing a boat on water. • Different types of ergs = different feel and performance.
Static Ergometer Static: Concept2 Ergometer Diagram of Static Ergometer • The standard for testing a rower’s power output. • Does not mimic the feeling of a boat well.
Dynamic Ergometer Dynamic: Oartec Slider Ergometer Diagram of Oartec Slider • Better mimics the motion of a boat. • Times are generally faster than stationary. • Higher stroke rates are easier.
Problem Statement • Develop an explanation for differences in measured performance for different ergometers. • Create a “rule-of-thumb” formula for adjusting scores on different ergometers.
Approach to Problem Solving • Measure locations of selected points on rower and erg using video and image tracking. • Find accelerations based on data. • Use the accelerations and masses to find work and power.
Assumptions • Forces only act in x-direction. • Static center of masses based on three points at the ankle, hip, and neck. • Frictionless environment.
Expectations • Static ergometer will waste more energy accelerating masses than the dynamic ergometer. • The dynamic ergometer will simulate motion on water better than the static ergometer.
Equipment • 1 Ortec Slider Ergometer • 1 Stationary 2 Concept Ergometer • Video Camera • Image Tracking Software (Tracker) • Matlab
Tracker • Open source • Tracks motion of points using image recognition algorithms • Exported Data into csv files
Procedure • Four, one minute pieces on each type of erg • Two pieces at 20 spm, two at 30 spm • Approximately even splits for each stroke rate (1:52 for 20 spm, 1:37 for 30 spm)
Results (Cont.) • Rule of thumb: Static wastes 5 more watts for every beat above 16 spm.
Conclusion • The dynamic erg is more efficient than the static erg. • The efficiency gap increases with an increase in stroke rating. • The efficiency gap has a significant effect on performance.