Full-field Strain Analysis of a Ski Boot

M Reiter,G Singer,Z Major

doi:10.1051/epjconf/20100612007

Abstract

The quality of the ski boots plays an extraordinary important role in the performance and in the safety of the skiers. The deformation behavior of a racing class ski boot was characterized by using the digital image correlation technique in this study. The boot was gripped in the ski binding and 3 types of motions of the skiers and the deformations of the boot were simulated by a professional skier in the laboratory. First, the buckles were closed in 4 stages and the resulting strains were measured. Furthermore, the skier positioned his balance continuously forward, resulting in a high overall bending deformation of the boot. The leg of the skier acted as a bending arm and pushed the upper part of the boot forward. This loading situation was assumed as quasi- static and was repeated several times. Finally, the skier jumped and this dynamic movement was recorded by using two high speed cameras for 3D analysis. Special focus was devoted to the measurement of the deformation of the boot during the contact of the ski with the ground of the laboratory. Both the displacement of the upper part and the local strain in selected areas of the boot was determined for both quasi-static and dynamic test conditions and are discussed in the paper.

Highlights

Introduction and ObjectivesExcept of external influences like weather or snow for example, the following four basic factors are responsible for skiing performance: the ski, the binding, the boot and the skier himself
The ski boot is responsible to transport movements and forces initiated by the skier to steer the ski
That is good for advanced and racing skiers but a beginner needs a softer boot which tolerates mistakes and is less reactive. These requirements and diverse demands of the different skill levels lead to the development of various types of ski boots

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and ObjectivesExcept of external influences like weather or snow for example, the following four basic factors are responsible for skiing performance: the ski, the binding, the boot and the skier himself. Skis can differ in their bending line, side cut, torsion-behaviour and attenuation. All of these parameters have an effect on the properties of a ski which can be felt by the skier. The ski boot is one of the most important elements in skiing. That is good for advanced and racing skiers but a beginner needs a softer boot which tolerates mistakes and is less reactive. These requirements and diverse demands of the different skill levels lead to the development of various types of ski boots.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion