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Friction reduction using self-waxing alpine skis

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Abstract

A continuously waxed ski has been developed that releases a thin film of lubricant under the base of a ski. This replicates the melt water layer observed in snow skis which is caused by frictional and solar heating. The system is particularly effective on artificial (dry) slopes where skiers slide on plastic bristles rather than snow. Speeds comparable to those achieved on snow are achieved using this system and this improves the experience for the skier. Speed enhancements on plastic slopes of up to 50 % have been achieved using solutions of polyethylene glycol in water. There is speed enhancement of approximately 9 % on artificial snow and 2 % on fresh alpine snow. The latter value is highly significant as it can be the difference between winning a medal in ski competitions and finishing outside the top ten. In addition to the quantitative data, qualitative athlete perceptions were also recorded and show that a feel like snow can be achieved on artificial surfaces. Because the lubrication system is attached to the ski, it allows personal performance enhancement irrespective of a water misting system being in operation or not. The design complies with the equipment regulations of the skiing’s international governing body so it can be used in competition.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for funding a Senior Media Fellowship to PS which allowed him to dedicate time to the project and to the University of Sheffield for funding to SP. We are grateful to Snowsport England and Stewart Smith of Sharks Ski Club for help in the validations tests and to Sheffield Ski Village and SNO!zone Castleford for use of the ski slope facilities in the UK. We also thank Head Skis Austria GmbH for provision of the alpine test facilities and downhill skis for modification. We are grateful to the athletes who were involved in the testing protocols on the different surfaces: Graham Bell, Phil Smith, Jon Smith, Holly Cutler, Becky Hammond and Hannah Handford-Styring.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK

    Peter Styring & Samuel Parkinson

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and BP Institute for Multiphase Flow, The University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3RA, UK

    Alexander F. Routh

Authors
  1. Peter Styring
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  2. Alexander F. Routh
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  3. Samuel Parkinson
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Correspondence to Peter Styring.

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Styring, P., Routh, A.F. & Parkinson, S. Friction reduction using self-waxing alpine skis. Sports Eng 15, 117–127 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-012-0095-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-012-0095-6

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