The thermal response of downhill skis

Abstract

AbstractThe temperatures in downhill skies were measured with thermocouples to investigate the heat generation associated with the sliding of skis on snow. In these tests we investigated the effects on ski temperature of the ambient snow temperature, snow type, speed, load and thermal conductivity. A significant temperature rise at the base of the ski was found at the onset of motion in all runs. The temperature rise increased for heavier loads and at lower ambient temperatures. Some ski runs lasted long enough to observe a steady-state temperature at the ski base; it increased with ambient temperature. Longitudinal and transverse temperature variations occurred and were sensitive to snow hardness and skiing technique.We also investigated heat flow through the cross-section of the ski with a finite-element model to determine the effects of ski structure on heat retention at the base. We found that the thermal characteristics as determined by the structure of the ski had a significant effect on the temperature at the ski base. At lower temperatures we expect that friction will be greater in skis which have a large aluminum plate across their base. Steel edges have a lesser effect.