Towards a methodology for comparing the effectiveness of different alpine ski waxes

COUPE, R. C. and SPELLS, S. (2009). Towards a methodology for comparing the effectiveness of different alpine ski waxes. Sports Engineering, 12 (2), p. 55.

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Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-009-0031-6

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for the glide testing of waxed skis at an indoor ski centre, using artificial snow. Two skiers, one acting as a control with unwaxed skis, undertook the test runs over a 50-m course. Timing gates allowed split times to be measured for a selection of waxes, as well as unwaxed skis. Five runs were conducted for each ski preparation, interlaced with control runs. Unwaxed skis produced similar run times to waxed skis for the complete course, with measurements showing their probable superiority over the first 10 m. A tentative interpretation involves the delay in forming a lubricating meltwater film under waxed skis by comparison with unwaxed skis. Recommendations are made for future measurements, including a longer course, close matching of skiers’ masses and ski sizes, all timing systems accurate to 0.001 s, a start 3 m above the first timing gate and more effective methods of wax removal.

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Materials and Engineering Research Institute > Advanced Coatings and Composites Research Centre > Polymers, Composites and Spectroscopy Group
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-009-0031-6
Page Range: p. 55
Depositing User: Ann Betterton
Date Deposited: 28 Sep 2010 15:35
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 10:00
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/2521

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