Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: Clive Stewart on 12/06/2008 08:17:58

Title: How do 'springy stilts' work?
Post by: Clive Stewart on 12/06/2008 08:17:58
Clive Stewart asked the Naked Scientists:

Springy stilts:  'Powerizers' - - let you jump over cars and run at claimed 20mph. How does that work - you can only normally raise your centre of gravity around 24 inches.

What would happen if you ran uphill for a long distance - would you still go faster than normal. I need the answers to these questions so I can buy some for when I go jogging with an ex marines friend aged 24 - my age is 56 and I'm having trouble keeping up.

Oh yes any idea what would happen when you run down a hill ? Would the speed build up because you have no way to dissipate it ?

What do you think?
Title: How do 'springy stilts' work?
Post by: LeeE on 18/06/2008 20:11:50
They temporarily store energy and then release it, much like the way a trampoline can allow you to bounce higher than you could jump.  You still have to put the energy in though, just as with the trampoline - it doesn't come from nowhere.
Title: How do 'springy stilts' work?
Post by: Alan McDougall on 29/06/2008 11:08:21
Its all about energy conservation, the Kangaroo does the same thing, it stores energy in is huge back legs for the next jump..

Pogo sticks do likewise it all about physics. In a normal jump all the energy for the next leap is lost to the ground. With the help of a spring much of the energy is retained in the spring ready for the next jump making it much easier.

I hope this helps

Alan
Title: How do 'springy stilts' work?
Post by: Bored chemist on 29/06/2008 13:03:16
"Pogo sticks do likewise it all about physics."
"I hope this helps"
Title: How do 'springy stilts' work?
Post by: Alan McDougall on 30/06/2008 08:11:48
BC


Quote
"Pogo sticks do likewise it all about physics."
"I hope this helps

Dont you like me, why the cryptic