Sports Equipment Research Articles

Advances in nanomaterials as exceptional fillers to reinforce carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers composites and their emerging applications

AbstractCarbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites exhibit excellent characteristics such as light weight, high specific strength, specific stiffness, and chemical stability, making them customizable to meet the specific demands of various sectors such as the automotive, aerospace, defense, biomedical, and energy industries. However, the inert surface of carbon fibers (CFs) results in a poor interface compatibility with polymer matrices, leading to numerous interfacial defects and pores in prepared CFRP composites. These drawbacks significantly limit the application of CFRP composites in high‐end fields. The higher surface area and smaller size of nanomaterials provide multiple advantages for high‐performance CFRP composites that enhance the mechanical properties, impact resistance and interface adhesion between the fiber and the matrix. Hence, this review firstly summarizes the interfacial behavior and interface enhancement mechanisms for CFRP composites. Subsequently, we comprehensively review the recent advances in various nanomaterials‐modified CFRP composites, including carbon‐based nanoparticles, silicon‐based nanomaterials and metal nanomaterials, et al. Besides, we also present the applications of CFRP in emerging fields, such as military, aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and medical, etc. Finally, we also prospected the challenges and future development trends of CFRP composites, aiming to provide new ideas and insights for future research on nanomaterial modifications and promote the development of high‐performance CFRP composites.Highlights The interface reinforced theory of CFRP is comprehensively summarized. Different types of nanoparticles that can be used for reinforcement in CFRP composites and nanomaterials modification methods are reviewed. Application of CFRP composites in various fields is presented. Challenges and future development directions of preparation of high‐performance CFRP composites are proposed.

Sports talent identification and development in Tanzanian secondary schools: what are the constraints and negotiation strategies?

ABSTRACT Secondary schools are regarded as vehicles for spotting and developing students’ sports talent. Some constraints often prevent students from developing their sports talent. Since there is hardly any study conducted to establish negotiation strategies toward alleviating the constraints for developing students’ sports talent, this study therefore, based on qualitative research conducted in seven public secondary schools in Tanzania, determined the constraints and negotiation strategies toward identifying and developing sports talent. The study identified several constraints including inappropriate considerations of diversity for students in sports programmes, inappropriate sequence and supervision of sports programmes, limited sports facilities and equipment, competitive atmosphere as well as inadequate human resources and time allotted for sports talent programmes. Similarly, increasing the supply of human, physical and time resources, ensuring practices with consideration of training hours and strategic planning with adherence to sports policy were identified as the negotiation strategies toward alleviating the constraints toward sports talent identification and development.

Contribution of geometrical infill pattern on mechanical behaviour of 3D manufactured polylactic acid specimen: Experimental and numerical analysis

Additive manufacturing is regarded as a very efficient fabrication technique since it permits the manufacturing of any three-dimensional product. The present work determines the effect of various infill pattern on the mechanical properties in term of tensile strength, yield strength and hardness of poly-lactic acid (PLA) samples fabricated by fused deposition modeling method. The mechanical behaviour of the 3D-printed PLAs investigated using dog-bone specimens with six distinct infill patterns: line, triangle, tri-hexagon, cubic, octet, and gyroid. The mechanical characteristics were evaluated using the uniaxial tensile test and shore D type hardness tester. The strain and deformation criteria were employed to substantiate the ductile and brittle characteristics. The fractural surface morphology analyzed using the field emission scanning electron microscope. Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to simulate the uniaxial tensile test and establish a Yeoh third order hyperelastic material model for the predictions of the stress-strain response. This model is chosen for its precise ability to predict the nonlinear stress-strain responses for significant deformation and is crucial in applications that involve high degrees of flexibility and elasticity, such as in tire modeling, polymer and elastomer analysis, sports equipment designing, 3D printed components etc. Results revealed that the cubic infill had a maximum tensile strength 32.648 ± 1.42 MPa and octet infill had a minimum tensile strength 22.373 ± 0.79 MPa. The majority of experimental data indicated a brittle behaviour for line-infilled, but triangular, trihexagonal, cubic, octet, and gyroid infill patterns demonstrated ductile behaviour. In comparison to other geometrical infills, cubic shown relatively superior mechanical responses. Consequently, the geometrical infill effect plays a significant role in finding the appropriate mechanical property for industrial applications. The developed material model possesses potential utility in non-linear FEA investigations pertaining to 3D printed PLA objects that are predicted to sustain tensile strength.

The most common dermatoses of athletes

Introduction and purpose The skin and subcutaneous tissue constitute the body's protective barrier. It also fulfills important physiological functions. It protects internal organs against the harmful effects of environmental factors and maintains the balance between the human body and the environment. Athlete's dermatoses are a wide group of skin diseases that may occur as a result of specific conditions to which people who practise sports are exposed. Some skin diseases are characteristic of specific sports, while others may occur regardless of the type of physical activity performed. Mechanical damage to the epidermis, excessive humidity, contact with pathogens and exposure to various environmental factors play a key role in the development of these diseases. Regular dermatological check-ups are crucial for identifying and treating skin lesions and preventing mass infections caused by infectious agents. The study discusses the most common dermatoses in athletes, including fungal, bacterial and viral infections, contact dermatitis and dermatoses caused by mechanical and environmental factors. Materials and methods The literature included in the PubMed, BioMed Central and Polish Medical Platform databases is searched by means of the words such as dermatosis, sport, skin, fungal, bacterial, viral infection, contact dermatitis. Quoted sources in selected works were also used. ConclusionsMany factors can have a harmful effect on the skin, negatively affect its function as an integral barrier of the body and, consequently, cause the development of dermatoses, which are quite common among athletes due to frequent contact with sweat, clothing, sports equipment and the environments in which they train. Prevention is an important element in minimizing the risk of skin problems and this is key to maintaining health and continuing physical activity.

Vibration Control in Sports Equipment Design: A biomechanical Approach

The layout of carrying gadget is heavily inspired with the aid of vibration manipulate, which has an impact now not best on the performance of athletes but additionally on the prevention of accidents. An approach that takes a biomechanical perspective to expertise and optimising vibration manage in carrying tool is supplied in this research. Innovative answers that improve athlete consolation, stability, and usual overall performance may be advanced by way of way of designers through the mixture of thoughts from the fields of biomechanics, substances science, and engineering amongst other disciplines. In this artwork, the biomechanical additives that impact vibration transmission via sports sports gadget are noted. These elements encompass impact forces, frequency traits, and damping characteristics. It investigates some of tactics to vibration manipulate, consisting of the selection of substances, the layout of structures, and the mechanisms that hose down vibrations. In addition, this newsletter explores the consequences of vibration manipulate on athlete biomechanics. It emphasises the importance of optimising the capabilities of device so that it will reduce the probability of accidents and decorate athletic overall performance. The motive of this text is to give big insights for players, coaches, and producers of sports activities device who are interested in maximise overall performance and enhance safety in sports activities. These insights are offered thru the lens of biomechanics.

Implementasi Kebijakan Kurikulum Merdeka pada Pengembangan Bakat dan Minat Siswa SD Negeri Kemakmuran 1 Songgom Brebes

This research aims to describe the implementation of the independent curriculum policy in developing the talents and interests of students at SD Negeri Kemakmuran 1 Songgom Brebes. The author uses field research where researchers go directly into the field to obtain research data. The approach used is a descriptive qualitative approach to describe the implementation of the independent curriculum policy in developing the talents and interests of students at SD Negeri Kemakmuran 1. The data collection methods used in this research are interviews, observation and documentation. Next, the author analyzes the data using the Miles and Huberman model by reducing data, presenting the data and verifying the data. Then the data was tested for validity by data triangulation. The results of the research show that SD Negeri Kemakmuran 1 has implemented an independent curriculum to develop students' talents and interests, including: providing motivation to students, fostering enthusiasm for learning, paying attention to students, exploring family backgrounds, and establishing collaboration with student parents. SD Negeri Kemakmuran 1 also does several things to support children's talents and interests, including: drum band training, scout training and others. There are also several computer units and sports equipment.

Utilization of Used Rubber Bands as Sports Equipment for Skipping Rope

Utilization of Used Rubber Bands as Sports Equipment for Skipping Rope

Dynamic Covalent Bonds Enabled Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers Recyclability and Material Circularity

AbstractDue to their remarkable features of lightweight, high strength, stiffness, high‐temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance, carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are extensively used in sports equipment, vehicles, aircraft, windmill blades, and other sectors. The urging need to develop a resource‐saving and environmentally responsible society requires the recycling of CFRPs. Traditional CFRPs, on the other hand, are difficult to recycle due to the permanent covalent crosslinking of polymer matrices. The combination of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) with carbon fibers (CFs) marks a new development path for closed‐loop recyclable CFRPs and polymer resins. In this review, we summarize the most recent developments of closed‐loop recyclable CFRPs from the unique paradigm of dynamic crosslinking polymers, CANs. These sophisticated materials with diverse functions, oriented towards CFs recycling and resin sustainability, are further categorized into several active domains of dynamic covalent bonds, including ester bonds, imine bonds, disulfide bonds, boronic ester bonds, and acetal linkages, etc. Finally, the possible strategies for the future design of recyclable CFPRs by combining dynamic covalent chemistry innovation with materials interface science are proposed.

The role of innovations in the development of modern sports games and its impact on physical activity and sports achievements

Scientific and technical progress is rapidly accelerating, therefore innovative technologies penetrate into all aspects of human life, in particular, into the sports sphere. They open new horizons, allow you to achieve positive results and offer high-tech equipment and equipment. The purpose of the article was to analyze the impact of innovations on physical activity in modern society and sports achievements. In the course of the study, it was found that innovations are innovative methods, technologies and approaches that are implemented to achieve new results, improve processes or solve problems in a certain field. Technological innovations such as virtual reality, innovative materials for sports equipment, artificial intelligence, digital technologies have affected all sports. The main examples of these technologies and their advantages of implementation in the sports industry were analyzed. So, for example, it is determined that the use of synthetic materials in poles for athletics increases their catapulting properties and sports achievements of athletes. Virtual reality technologies contribute to the effective training of cyclists, providing the opportunity to reproduce different weather conditions and types of routes, to test different strategies of speed and intensity of riding without any risks. Modern technologies, which allow to objectively evaluate the biomechanical parameters of the athlete's movements and to correct and improve them, contribute to a significant increase in the effectiveness of the athlete training system. The main groups of modern biomechanical technologies implemented in sports are analyzed. Significant technological updates in the field of sports are caused by the active implementation of digital technologies. Digital technologies help improve the national health care system by facilitating the collection, analysis and dissemination of data on health and physical activity. A key innovation in sports is also the use of fitness trackers and mobile applications that provide personalized training programs and nutritional recommendations.

Application of Wearable Technology and Equipment in Sports

With the gradual development of intelligent technology, the application frequency of scientific and technological products in life is also gradually increasing. Wearable technology is related equipment that can be worn on the body to meet various use functions. Typical wearable devices include electronic watches, earphones and other electronic devices used in daily life. It can be used by wearing, including sensing, identification, connection, cloud service and other related concepts and technologies. Its functional diversity and convenience of use have become a major reason for the popularity of the public at present. In the process of sports, wearable technology can also assist the actual development of sports to a certain extent, and can also achieve the function of leisure and entertainment to a certain extent during sports. This paper discusses and analyzes the application of wearable technology and equipment in sports, aiming to put forward relevant strategies that are feasible and meet the needs of users in the future according to the basic functions of wearable equipment and the application status in sports.

Smart ping-pong paddle with triboelectric self-powered wireless sensors

This work demonstrates a ping-pong paddle equipped with self-powered wireless triboelectric nanogenerator-based (TENG) sensors, a significant advancement in sports science and technology. The study effectively created fluoroalkylsilane-modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-FOTS) TENG to alter the electronegativity of PDMS. Consequently, the PDMS-FOTS TENG demonstrated a dramatic increase in performance, achieving voltages and currents of up to 181 V and 98 nA, respectively, which is a 2.83-fold and 3.03-fold enhancement compared to PDMS TENG. Theoretical calculations using finite element method (FEM) confirmed these results, indicating an optimal triboelectric potential of 1172 V for PDMS-FOTS. Incorporating this TENG into the ping-pong paddle, combined with a data acquisition (DAQ) card, Wi-Fi module, and human-machine interface (HMI), led to the creation of a wireless system capable of capturing real-time data on the impact positions and strengths of ping-pong balls. The system's remarkable stability and sensitivity are evident in its 100 % accuracy in position differentiation over 340 ball impacts and its ability to handle high-speed movements up to 10 kHz. This functionality offers athletes precise and detailed training records, enhancing their performance analysis. The study's findings reveal the significant potential of integrating TENG sensor technology in intelligent sports equipment. The ping-pong paddle demonstrates the practical application of TENGs in real-world scenarios, enhancing athletic training and performance analysis through innovative, self-powered wireless sensors.

Viscoelastic Performance of Bagasse/Glass Fiber Hybrid Epoxy Composites: Effects of Fiber Hybridization on Storage Modulus, Loss Modulus, and Damping Behavior

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the viscoelastic properties of bagasse/glass fiber multilayered hybrid reinforced epoxy composites, focusing on how fiber hybridization affects dynamic mechanical performance. Epoxy composites with various layering sequences, including all-glass (AG), all-bagasse (AB), bagasse-glass-bagasse (BGB), and glass-bagasse-glass (GBG), were fabricated and analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to measure storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E''), and damping factor (tan δ). The results showed that hybrid composites (GBG and BGB) experienced a decrease in storage modulus by approximately 25% compared to AG, indicating enhanced polymer molecular chain mobility and improved interfacial adhesion between bagasse fibers and the epoxy matrix. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was slightly lower in hybrid composites, with GBG at 61 °C and BGB at 60 °C, compared to 62 °C for AG. In terms of energy dissipation, AG exhibited the highest loss modulus peak at 62 °C, while AB showed the lowest with a Tg at 53 °C. The damping factor analysis revealed that AB had the highest damping peak (tan δ = 0.9) at 61 °C, although this occurred at a lower temperature than the AG composite (tan δ = 0.7 at 76 °C). These findings suggest that bagasse and glass fiber hybrid composites offer tailored viscoelastic properties, making them suitable for applications in automotive components, aerospace structures, and sports equipment.

Heat Flow Estimation in Polymer Films during Orientational Drawing at the Local Heater.

The optimization of the process of polymer film orientational drawing using the local heater was investigated. One of the problems with this technology is that the strength of the resulting fibers differs significantly from the theoretical estimates. It is assumed that one of the reasons is related to the peculiarity of this technology, when at the point of drawing the film is heated only on one side, which creates a temperature difference between the sides of the film in contact with the heater and the non-contact sides of the film in the air. Estimates show that even a small temperature difference of just 1 °C between these surfaces leads to a significant difference in the rate of plastic deformation of the corresponding near-surface layers. As a consequence, during hardening, in the stretching region, tensile stress is concentrated on the "cold" side of the film, and this effect can presumably lead to the generation of more defects overthere. It has been suggested that defects arising during first stage of hardening, namely, neck formation, can serve as a trigger for the formation of defects such as kink bands on the "cold" side with further orientational strengthening due to plastic deformation of the resulting fibrillar structure, at the boundaries of which microcracks are formed, leading to rupture of the oriented sample. The numerical calculation of heat propagation due to heat conduction in the film from the local surface of the heater is carried out and the temperature distribution along the thickness and width of the film during drawing is found. The temperature difference in the heated layer of the film between the contact and non-contact sides with the heater was calculated depending on the thickness of the film and the speed of its movement along the heater. It was found that the most homogeneous temperature distribution over the film thickness, which is required, by default, for the synchronous transformation of the unoriented initial folded lamellar structure into a fibrillar structure, is observed only for films with a thickness of less than 50 μm. The calculation allows us to scientifically justify the choice of orientation drawing speed and optimal thickness of the oriented polymer film, which is extremely important, for example, for obtaining super-strong and high-modulus UHMWPE filaments used in products for various purposes: from body armor to sports equipment and bioimplants.

Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Characterization of Graphene/Al2O3‐Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Nanocomposites

AbstractThis work investigates the hybrid nanocomposites manufactured by direct mixing by dispersing varying weight percentages (wt.%) of graphene nanoparticles (GNPs) and Al2O3 NPs in epoxy resin. Their properties are then obtained using various mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness) and thermal (thermogravimetric) analyses. Furthermore, their microstructure and functional groups are studied by SEM and FTIR, respectively. The hybrid nanocomposite, which contains 1.5 wt.% GNPs and 8.5 wt.% Al2O3 NPs, has excellent mechanical properties. Compared to a composite without GNPs, the tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and shore D hardness improve by 95.12, 90.01, 171.43, and 19.75%, respectively. It is also found that hybrid nanocomposite exhibits enhanced thermal stability as GNPs increase, particularly at lower wt.% of Al2O3. The SEM of tensile fractured specimens of GNPs/Al2O3 epoxy hybrid nanocomposites reveals prominent failure mechanisms, including agglomeration of GNPs and debonding between the GNPs/Al2O3 and epoxy. The FTIR spectroscopy analysis reveals distinctive spectral peaks indicating successful incorporation of Al2O3 and GNPs into the epoxy‐based composite, with observed peaks corresponding to functional groups and bonds characteristic of each component. These findings suggest that the manufactured nanocomposite holds promise as a component in structural applications, particularly in automobiles, aerospace components, and sports equipment.

Multi-Object Classification of Sports Equipment Images with Texture and Line Features

Multi-Object Classification of Sports Equipment Images with Texture and Line Features

Epithelial barrier theory in the context of nutrition and environmental exposure in athletes.

Exposure to toxic substances, introduced into our daily lives during industrialization and modernization, can disrupt the epithelial barriers in the skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, leading to microbial dysbiosis and inflammation. Athletes and physically active individuals are at increased risk of exposure to agents that damage the epithelial barriers and microbiome, and their extreme physical exercise exerts stress on many organs, resulting in tissue damage and inflammation. Epithelial barrier-damaging substances include surfactants and enzymes in cleaning products, laundry and dishwasher detergents, chlorine in swimming pools, microplastics, air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and diesel exhaust. Athletes' high-calorie diet often relies on processed foods that may contain food emulsifiers and other additives that may cause epithelial barrier dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis. The type of the material used in the sport equipment and clothing and their extensive exposure may increase the inflammatory effects. Excessive travel-related stress, sleep disturbances and different food and microbe exposure may represent additional factors. Here, we review the detrimental impact of toxic agents on epithelial barriers and microbiome; bring a new perspective on the factors affecting the health and performance of athletes and physically active individuals.

Optimized design of flexible sensors for snow and ice sports characterization and intelligent recognition of training technique movements

Skiing performance is affected by a variety of external factors, and real-time monitoring of skiers' skiing status is very important for improving athletes' skiing technique. There are problems in the training monitoring of snow sports athletes in a wide range of venues, such as difficulty in accurately obtaining the parameters of sports status, lack of quantitative assessment of the training effect, and inability to provide timely feedback. And traditional sensors cannot adapt to cold, humid and other weather conditions, which affects their stability. Traditional sensors can only provide limited motion data and cannot comprehensively evaluate the technical level of skiers. At the same time, it is difficult to provide sufficiently accurate data in complex snowy environments. To address this problem, this study proposes a flexible sensor that can contact with the human body and sense athletes' body postures and movements in real time. By combining the flexible sensor with ice and snow sports equipment, intelligent recognition of athletes' movements can be realized. By monitoring and analyzing athletes' movements in real time, problems can be detected in time and targeted adjustments and training can be carried out. The findings of the experiment demonstrate that the accuracy of the time synchronization model, the time-domain high-pass filtering model, the zero-speed correction model, and the improved zero-speed correction model are, respectively, 97, 94, 92, and 90 when the size of the training set is 800. At the distance of 2000 m, The CF-TENG, H-TENG and CS-TENG response times are 18 ms, 20 ms and 28 ms. The results show that the designed flexible sensors have good performance and can be used in the daily training of cross-country skiing and alpine skiing professional sports teams.

Bending-based solution methodology using eigenvalue-eigenvector approach for analysis of foldable reinforced Golf Clubs cylindrical shell

This paper is organized to present eigenvalue-eigenvector based solution method for elastic bending analysis of foldable Golf Clubs cylindrical shell reinforced with graphene origami. The axisymmetric kinematic and constitutive relations are extended using the models with shear deformability and three-dimensional relations. The effective material properties are inserted into integration constants and constitutive relations in terms of angle and content of folded structure as well as thermal load. The virtual work principle is extended in order to derive governing equations and the eigenvalue-eigenvector method is applied for analytical solution. The results are presented along the longitudinal and radial coordinates with changes of angle and content of folded structure as well as thermal load. The results of this analysis may be used for optimized design and manufacturing of the golf clubs and other sport equipment.

Implementing a free lending of sports and leisure equipment service: a cross-sectional survey exploring user characteristics, utilization patterns, and significance among children and youth

BackgroundThe escalating costs of sports equipment, coupled with socioeconomic disparities, hinder children’s participation in physical activities. The Leisure Equipment Library (LEL), a unique service in Sweden, addresses this challenge by providing free equipment lending. This study investigated the significance of providing free lending of sports and recreational equipment for children’s and youth’s opportunities to engage in physical activities during leisure time.MethodUtilizing a cross-sectional survey during the summer-2022 period, the study is based on data from 427 LEL users aged 7 to 25 years. User characteristics (demography, socioeconomic status, physical activity profiles), equipment usage patterns and perceived significance are also analyzed. The findings are discussed using the concept of consumer-brand identification.ResultsThe results showed that LEL reaches a broad and diverse group of children and young people in terms of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and physical activity profile. The borrowed equipment, primarily used for play and recreation, serves as an essential resource for children and youths and, in particular, for those with low socioeconomic status. LEL is considered highly important by all user groups, with a majority emphasizing its significance in facilitating leisure activities.ConclusionsThe study suggests LEL’s success lies in its accessibility and that users identify with the brand of LEL. Users perceive LEL as a service catering to various recreational needs rather than sports, fostering inclusivity. The localization of stores in various types of areas, combined with high-quality products, enable children and young people from different socioeconomic areas to use the service. LEL’s success hinges on maintaining a positive brand image and promoting a recreation-oriented identity. Opportunities exist to strengthen emotional bonds with users, enhance branding strategies, and position LEL as a valuable resource for inclusive recreational activities. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of free lending services, such as LEL, to bridge socioeconomic gaps in the promotion of physical activity among children and young people.

Primjena tehničkog tekstila u sportu

Textile materials are used in all kinds of sports as sportswear in the form of shorts, T- shirts, tracksuits, swimwear, compression garments etc. Except for making clothes, textiles are used as an integral part of sports equipment or part of sports footwear. Also, technical textiles are widely used for production of sports accessories to provide additional comfort, support, and functionality. The application of textile composites in sports equipment has proven to be very useful, not only for improving overall performance but also in controlling every possible feature, leading to safer and fairer sports.Sports textile is a growing industry and participates with 7.3 % in the global technical textiles market. Generally, textile materials used in sportswear have high heat and moisture transport capacity, lightweight, fast-drying capacity, and elasticity. These materials also have superior strength and durability. The latest textile materials used to make sportswear have different functional properties in order to meet the specific requirements in various sports activities. Consumption of textile materials in sports has increased significantly in the last few decades. This is due to the growing interest of the world population in sports and fitness activities, coupled with growing awareness of the importance of active lifestyles, drives demand for sportswear and equipment.