An inverted pendulum with a springy control as a model of human standing

Abstract

The normal and the inverted pendulum continue to be one of the main physical models and metaphors in science. The inverted pendulum is also a classic study case in control theory. In this paper we consider a special demonstration version of the inverted pendulum which is controlled via a spring. If the spring constant is below a critical level the springy control will be unstable and the pendulum will be kept from falling only by exercising a dynamically varying control. This situation resembles the case of human bipedal quiet standing with the Achilles tendon serving as the spring. The paper is written with physics students in mind.