The Physics of an Uluaq
(Picture created by Deanna Strunk)
The Physics of an Uluaq
(Picture created by Deanna Strunk)
The uluaq's design is very unique in which it allows the most control of the force being applied in the vertical motion on the knife. "Because the center of force is concentrated directly over the middle of the blade, it creates twice the direct downward force compared to that of conventional cutlery (where the force is behind the center of the blade). Anyone, including those experiencing hand or wrist problems, can perform cutting and chopping tasks effortlessly with an ulu(aq)" (http://www.ulu.com/aboutulu.htm).
If we estimate the angle at which the force is applied to a regular knife, we would find that Fsin45 = force being applied vertically downward. This only about 71% of the actual force being applied downward on the object wanting to be cut.
This ingenuity not only created great efficiency but confort as well. "Without any research into the geometry of the knife, the natives created a powerful cutlery tool with the ulu(aq). The concentration of force in the midsection of the implement focuses magnified pressure in that area. This intuitive construction cuts down on the effort you need to exert when slicing or chopping, resulting in a more comfortable set up" (http://alaskagifts.articleinsider.com/18580_ulu.html)