Identification of non-linear transient behaviour of flexible structures: Application to a golfer's swing

Non-linear transient behaviour of flexible structures requires numerical in tegration of the system's equations of motion. A simplified method for iden tifying the impulse response function, while avoiding this integration, is presented here. The impulse response function obtained is time dependent an d is a characteristic of the global system, remaining valid when reasonable perturbations are applied to external data. Application of this method to the swing of a golfer gives satisfactory results. The implementation of the method as a solution to an inverse dynamics problem, the optimisation proc ess, validation with experimental data, and a potential biomechanical appli cation is discussed. (C) 1999 Academic Press.