Theoretical and experimental investigation into the interaction between a snowboard or ski and an artificial snow surface

摘要

In this study, a model of the contact patch between a snowboard or ski and artificial snow surface is developed. The surface used consists of a uniform bristle structure, the key parameters being the bristle torsional stiffness, spacing, and length, and the coefficient of friction between the bristle and snowboard. The model is shown to capture the general behaviour of the horizontal force generated in the contact patch and by tuning the bristle's torsional stiffness, an excellent fit was achieved. The model is also capable of predicting the breakdown of the forces in the contact patch and where heating of the snowboard on this type of surface might be a problem.