INTRODUCTION: The dynamics of a turning ski are sensitive to the magnitude, direction, and location of the forces and moments applied by the skier, the mechanical characteristics of the ski, and the interaction between ski and snow. Binding position and, therefore, the location of applied skier forces, has an effect on the kinetics of the turning ski [1]. There is not, however, a consistent method of defining binding position among manufacturers, which could lead to irrelevant performance comparisons between skis. The current study quantifies the difference between binding positions for skis of similar geometry and stiffness. METHOD: 7 geometric variables (Fig. 1) were measured on 15 skis. The skis were loaded in a 3-point bend test, and the resulting deflection was captured with a 4-camera motion analysis System. 3 DOF forces and moments were measured with a load cell. The Euler-Bernoulli equation was used to calculate the flexural rigidity, B(x), and the binding positions of slalom (SL) and giant Slalom (GS) skis with similar geometry and stiffness were compared. RESULTS and DISCUSSION: The shapes of two tested SL skis were nearly identical, with an average 2.07% difference between measured variables. Also, the flexural rigidity patterns coincided (Fig. 2); however, 30.9% difference was measured between the skis' binding positions, D. Three GS skis were similar in shape, with an average 2.86% difference between measured geometric variables. White the flexural rigidities of these skis were not identical, an average of only 4.00% difference was found between the peak stiffnesses. There was an average 375% difference between the binding positions. The SL and GS skis were similar in shape and flex; however, the binding positions were different. The methods used by manufacturers to define the binding position are not clear from the data. CONCLUSION: SL and GS skis nearly idendical in mechanical characteristics (shape and stiffness) were found to have substantially different binding positions. Discrepancies in ski binding positions from different manufacturers could have an adverse affect on skier performance on skis that are otherwise alike. More effective product comparisons could be achieved if binding position was not a compounding factor.
© Copyright 2007 4th International Congress on Science and Skiing. Julkaistu Tekijä University of Salzburg. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään. / Kääntänyt https://www.DeepL.com/Translator