The relationship between the type of machining of the ski running-surface and its wettability and capillary drag

Abstract

This paper considers the mechanically treated dry ski running-surface. The difference in the shear wettability of ski running-surfaces treated using different types of machining was studied by measuring the advanced and receding contact angles on two different ski base materials. The hypotheses regarding relationship between the shear wettability and the capillary drag of ski running-surface have been presented. The study found that ski running-surfaces with a lower roughness (e.g. flattened by a steel drum or sliced) have a lower wettability factor and seem to be more effective in reducing capillary drag under homogenous wetting conditions.

Keywords:

• Ski base
• stone grinding
• capillary drag
• contact angle