Biomechanical Engineering

Biomechanical engineering analyzes and studies the human body as a mechanical structure that can undergo certain motions, forces, and stresses before failure. Biomechanical engineers combine their expertise in physics and engineering with knowledge pertaining to human tolerance limits.

By applying principles of engineering and fundamental laws of physics, biomechanical engineers can determine the biomechanical effect of speeds, forces and accelerations on the human body during an event.  In addition, biomechanical engineers can also determine the biomechanical relevance of these speeds, forces and accelerations by putting these calculated values into their proper biomechanical context by comparing them to everyday activities and events.

Biomechanical engineers may be helpful in cases involving:

  • Soft tissue trauma
  • Accidental or homicidal deaths
  • Slips & falls
  • Perception & reaction time
  • Human factors & ergonomics