L22 - Angular Impulse-Momentum

• The resistance of a body to rotate is called mass moment of inertia
• Just as linear momentum is the product of the liberal inertial property (mass) & linear velocity, angular momentum is the product of moment of inertia & angular velocity

  • In the absence of external torques, angular momentum is conserved
  • An airborne human performer can alter total-body angular velocity by manipulating moment of inertia through changes in body configuration relative to the principal axis around which rotation is occurring
• Skilled performers can also alter the axis of rotation & initiate rotation while airborne
• We generate angular rotation by applying a rotational force to the body, athletes may do this from a curved approach, angling the body (CoM to take-off foot) or by using a spring board)