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| Description of Challenge:
In this challenge, we were tasked with optimizing the max speed for a soccer kick model, using open-source software OpenSim to adjust 1. parameters and 2. Coordinates of joints
Parameters to change (0-9000N):
Hamstring muscle force
Rec Fem Muscle Force
Soleus Muscle Force
Tibialis Anterior Muscle Force
Coordinates:
Turn
Hip_flexion
Knee_angle
ankle_angle
diagram of the critical muscles involved in the soccer kicking model
| Optimal settings
In order to achieve optimal settings, we first started by changing the parameters. We found that small adjustments worked best as any big changes often resulted in decreases of speed. Initially, we went down the list of parameters mentioned earlier to discover the most optimal positioning for each specific muscle. This method, though it led to an increase in ball speed, didn’t prove to be the most effective method. By changing the parameters of a few muscle groups at a time, we found that the paired changes resulted in bigger speed increases. Particularly, we found increasing the tibialis anterior muscle force contributed and lowering the force for the soleus muscle contributed to higher speeds.
We then moved to changing the coordinates. We initially changed the angles of the hip, knee, and ankle. We then moved on to the turn section, though the default setting for turn proved to be most efficient. After changing the muscle groups to the best of our ability, we finally adjusted the positioning of the ball. This would be the initial placement of the ball. It is justified to move the ball as in a real kick, you may place it wherever.
Finally, we made adjustments to the muscle properties, increasing the max_contraction_velocity for rect_fem_r to 120 and the soleus_r to 90.
| Spreadsheet of Trials
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