Skeleton Runner Roughness and Surface Contact Area Influence on Sliding Ability: Field Experiments

Key Engineering Materials 2019
Jānis Lungevičs, Ernests Jansons, Kārlis-Agris Gross

Scientists and sport athletes are constantly seeking for the methods which could improve surface sliding ability on ice. Modifications of contact area and surface roughness are relatively easy but not yet fully understood methods for sliding ability improvements. This research contains information of how one can perform on-field experiments with skeleton sleigh to determine the influence of surface contact area and roughness on sliding ability. Two types of surface roughness i.e. polished (3000 grain sandpaper) and scratched (600 grain sandpaper) are compared using three different contact areas. Obtained data showed that rougher surfaces tend to slide faster if contact area is larger but the effect reverses if contact area is reduced.

Keywords
Ice friction, Contact, Contact area, Roughness, On-field experiment, Texture
DOI
10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.800.303
Hyperlink
https://www.scientific.net/KEM.800.303

Lungevičs, J., Jansons, E., Gross, K. Skeleton Runner Roughness and Surface Contact Area Influence on Sliding Ability: Field Experiments. In: Key Engineering Materials, Latvia, Riga, 26-26 October, 2018. Switzerland: Trans Tech Publications Ltd., 2019, pp.303-307. ISSN 1013-9826. e-ISSN 1662-9795. Available from: doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.800.303

Publication language
English (en)