The Legs

Below is the subsystem that solves the equations for the legs. It is identical to the subsystems for the arms, head, and trunk except for the parameters used.

Block diagram of the legs subsystem


Figure 1. Simulink block diagram of the legs.


Physiological notes:
  • The circulatory system in the legs can be affected by external heat sources such as working muscles, through the variable fe, although for the basic model, such sources are ignored (fe = 0).
  • Ambient temperature is included with the ta term, and its effect is proportional to the legs' area, A, and a thermal constant, K.
  • Note that in the current model blood flow effects heat flow, but heat flow does not effect blood flow.
Simulation notes:
  • The Goto and From blocks F8i and P9 are connections to other circulatory systems where the information flow is opposite of blood flow. Using the Goto and From blocks for these connections allows the connections to be made "below the surface", thereby keeping the main block diagram (physbe) uncluttered and less confusing.
  • The Goto blocks, P8i, V8, and P8 allow key output information to be passed directly to the Analysis Subsystem, where it can be managed in one central location.
  • The line labels are used to keep track of variable information, making the flow of information easier to track.

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