ABSTRACT
Geometric complexity is the principal hindrance to in-depth biomechanical analyses. When coupled with nonhomogeneous and irregular material properties, this complexity can make even routine analyses virtually intractable. In this chapter, we review elementary methods for organizing and studying complex geometrical systems. These methods include vector, dyadic, and matrix algebra; index notation; and determinants. In Chapter 4, we will look at methods more focused toward biomechanical analyses, including lower-body arrays, conguration graphs, transformation matrices, rotation dyadics, and Euler parameters.
