Performance prediction in the sport of skeleton through the integrated analysis of ice friction, aerodynamics and dynamics

Abstract

The sport of Skeleton is Great Britain’s most successful Winter Olympic sport. As a result there has been much research in the fields of ice friction, ice physics and dynamics. What requires greater understanding is the relative importance of these in determining the overall performance of a particular combination of slider and sled. An in depth study into the physics of the low ice friction coefficient as well as current friction models, has allowed a bespoke Skeleton ice friction model to be created. It considers the unique geometry of a Skeleton runner and its deflection during a descent of an ice track due to load forces. The dynamics of the Skeleton system was investigated using a new trajectory model that considers both linear and angular motion. Using this model, a performance analysis was carried out to understand the relative influence of mass and its distribution, aerodynamic drag, ice friction and starting velocity, independent of athlete driving skill. The ability to analyse the lateral and directional stability demonstrated the requirement of the knife section in the runner design. A driving model of the Skeleton sled was created by analysing the different areas that cause the sled to yaw: ice friction, aerodynamic forces, mass distribution and mass inertia. Two aerodynamic steers: head tilt and banana; five friction steers: soft knee, hard knee, soft shoulder, hard shoulder and a combination of shoulder and knee; and toe steers were analysed to determine the dominant factors that both turn and slow the sled.

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ORCID for Stephen Turnock: orcid.org/0000-0001-6288-0400

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