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A new device for measuring ski running surface force and pressure profiles

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Abstract

The pressure/force acting between the running surface of a ski and the snow may indirectly change glide friction. Thus, measuring the pressure/force distribution may be important for a deeper understanding of glide in skiing. The present aim was to construct a device that allowed the pressure/force underneath the ski running surface (SRS) to be recorded. Pressure sensors were attached on top of a platform. Sheets of different materials were used to improve the interaction between the SRS and the sensors. Possible functions of the device are demonstrated in three applications that emphasized comparison of force distribution underneath skis selected for similarity, force distribution under both skis and a single ski as well as backward weight distribution. The results show that the device with the pressure sensors mapped pressure/force distribution underneath the skis in the applications presented, and the system can thus be a useful tool for further optimizing e.g., ski designs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the Norwegian national cross-country ski team for generously contributing test skis and for collaboration in the glide testing. We also thank Swix Sport AS for their generous contribution of test skis.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Lidingövägen 1, Box 5626, 11486, Stockholm, Sweden

    Johnny Nilsson

  2. Research and Development, Swix Sport AS, Post Box 2626, Lillehammer, Norway

    Lars Karlöf

  3. The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Sognsveien 220, P.O. Box 4014, Ullevål Stadion, 0806, Oslo, Norway

    Johnny Nilsson & Vidar Jakobsen

Authors
  1. Johnny Nilsson
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  2. Lars Karlöf
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  3. Vidar Jakobsen
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Correspondence to Johnny Nilsson.

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Nilsson, J., Karlöf, L. & Jakobsen, V. A new device for measuring ski running surface force and pressure profiles. Sports Eng 16, 55–59 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-012-0109-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-012-0109-4

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