The Department of Physics is collaborating with faculty and students to explore the biomechanics of the human arm. Led by Physics Professor Hashini Mohottala, the research connects theoretical physics with practical, real-world applications.
Supported by a grant from the NASA-CT Space Grant Consortium, the research team developed a human-sized, 3D-printed arm model to study deltoid muscle force—a key element in understanding arm mechanics. The team’s investigation focused on three scenarios: measuring deltoid force as a function of lifting force, analyzing the effect of changing the arm’s angle with the vertical axis, and examining the additional challenges imposed by wearing a heavy suit that is like a NASA astronaut’s suit.
In addition to Mohottala, the research team includes biology and pre-medical advising program student Agnieszka (Agnes) Machowski ’25, undergraduate research assistant and prosthetics and orthotics program student Joseph Lothamer M’26, and Assistant Professor of Mathematics Daniel Martin.