Safer ski jumps : design of landing surfaces and clothoidal in-run transitions
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Authors
Swedberg, Andrew D.
Subjects
Advisors
Hubbard, Mont
Krener, Arthur
Date of Issue
2010-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis explores the recent rise of skiing and snowboarding injuries from jumps fabricated with no scientific design process. It summarizes a previous method to develop a first order ordinary differential equation (ODE) for the landing surface shape, based on kinematics and dynamics, which limits the equivalent fall height (EFH) on landing. These are compared with theoretical expressions for EFH in tabletop jumps, which are shown to have linearly increasing and possibly large EFH values near the ends of the tabletop and linear landing surface portions. Finding solutions to the ODE is explored, with a large emphasis on determining the singular point where the ODE numerical integration can begin. Analysis is conducted to determine a good way to design a curved in-run transition portion of the jump that limits the additional centripetal acceleration on a particle undergoing the required velocity change of direction of a given amount. This turn can be accomplished using a unique curve known as a clothoid, which minimizes jerk along the path. The final topics include a plan for providing maintenance for safe terrain park ski jumps, and an algorithm that will assist a manager in planning where and how to build a jump.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Applied Mathematics
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xx, 120 p. : ill.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.