This research project is concerned with the investigation of sounds emanating from muscles as they are contracted in the field of bioengineering. Sounds made by contracting muscles represent the means to obtain knowledge about muscle biomechanics and the processes of muscle contraction. Based upon previous results, a strong interest has developed in the understanding and prediction of muscle sound frequency. Using an electromagnetic driving apparatus the instantaneous frequency of vibration at different times during muscle contraction will be determined. Experiments will be conducted to ascertain the exact relationship among the frequency of muscle sounds and the length, tension, and mass of the muscle. Experiments under conditions of zero passive tension will be conducted to find the relationship between frequency and the elastic modulus of the muscle. The effect of temperature on muscle sound production and frequency will be examined. There is high potential that muscle sounds may be used as a diagnostic tool for human muscles. Sounds measured from functioning muscle tissue near an artificial limb could be used as control signals for the artificial limb. Muscle sounds can also be used as a method of measuring the extent of muscle fatigue.
