In what ways is knowledge of Newtonian classical mechanics helpful to people pursuing biomedical research?
4 Answers
One part of biomedical research is design of artificial joints (I have two 'aftermarket' hips) and limbs. Newtonian mechanics is used to analyze the the various motions and the resulting torques, loads, compressive forces, and stretching forces on various parts of the prosthesis. These analyses are fundamentally similar to, but a lot more complex, than high school problems in statics and dynamics.
Classical mechanics also includes stress-strain curves, although this work owes more to Newton's contemporary, Hooke, than to Newton himself. Stress-strain curves tell the prosthesis designer how different materials will perform. Among other things, this lets my artificial hips perform like natural hips without weighing significantly more or less than 'original equipment.'
Of course, design of an artificial joint involves other science, especially materials compatibility between the replacement parts and their biological environment. But classical mechanical analysis is fundamental.
Classical mechanics also includes stress-strain curves, although this work owes more to Newton's contemporary, Hooke, than to Newton himself. Stress-strain curves tell the prosthesis designer how different materials will perform. Among other things, this lets my artificial hips perform like natural hips without weighing significantly more or less than 'original equipment.'
Of course, design of an artificial joint involves other science, especially materials compatibility between the replacement parts and their biological environment. But classical mechanical analysis is fundamental.
Directly helpful? For most fields of medical research, it isn't.
But then classical Newtonian mechanics is high school level stuff, meant to build a strong foundation in understanding how the world works and giving people tools for analyzing reality and forming descriptions or formulas to express it to others.
Classical mechanics is paired with simple experiments, physical examples and fairly basic math, so it is a great introduction to understanding how to do science.
But then classical Newtonian mechanics is high school level stuff, meant to build a strong foundation in understanding how the world works and giving people tools for analyzing reality and forming descriptions or formulas to express it to others.
Classical mechanics is paired with simple experiments, physical examples and fairly basic math, so it is a great introduction to understanding how to do science.
Newton's scientific work in mechanics is part of basic science courses and is seen as part of the education of engineers and scientists as well as for many who pursue liberal arts. I can't begin to express it's importance. In medical engineering, you will encounter mechanical models of various parts of the body, will analyze and design devices, will, perhaps, study "gait"- the way living things walk, etc. All of this involves static and dynamic mechanical systems and all of it relies heavily on that smart guy who did so many amazing things in his life.
This is one of those questions that seems to be missing its predicate. It would be nice to know why it is being asked.
This is one of those questions that seems to be missing its predicate. It would be nice to know why it is being asked.
On a more abstract level, I would say physics and specifically in this case -classical mechanics is not just a subject. It's a way of thinking.
It's not just about drawing free body diagrams and graphs and differential equations but it is about introducing a person to use a clearly defined mathematical/scientific structure and reasoning in their analysis.
You'll eventually have to find relations between quantities/qualities and you learn those techniques while doing a course in classical mechanics.
Which I feel is important in all fields of research as data processing and drawing conclusions from them are necessary.
It's not just about drawing free body diagrams and graphs and differential equations but it is about introducing a person to use a clearly defined mathematical/scientific structure and reasoning in their analysis.
You'll eventually have to find relations between quantities/qualities and you learn those techniques while doing a course in classical mechanics.
Which I feel is important in all fields of research as data processing and drawing conclusions from them are necessary.
