Abstract
In this study, the method for measurements of the friction and viscoelastic properties was proposed by using pendulum tester combined with axial force sensor measuring joint forces. Rabbit knee joints (n=7) were used in this experiment. The rotation center position and normal force of knee joint surface were calculated, and calculated friction, viscosity, and elastic coefficient. Each parameter was measured under different knee joint angles (90, 100, 110, 120 and 130) in this experiment. Friction coefficients were larger at more flexed angle of knee joint. Viscosity and elastic coefficient indicated a constant value. The normal force of knee joint indicated a smaller value when the knee angle is small. As a result, frictional, viscosity, and elastic force indicated a constant value even if knee angle changed. Because it was considered energy loss was constant at all knee angles, it could be confirmed that the technique proposed in this study was more accuracy to measure friction and viscoelastic properties.
