Investigation of the mechanical performances of material and structural configuration of telemark ski boots

Abstract

A design procedure for telemark ski boots is presented, characterized by an integrated approach by means of experimental and numerical analyses. Material properties are investigated adopting different experimental tests addressed to the characterization of the behaviour of the ski boot polymeric materials, with particular regard to elastic, viscous, temperature-dependent and degradation characteristics. Material constitutive models are provided taking into account the experimental achievement. Ski boots morphology is defined adopting solid model technique and is subsequently transposed in numerical models that allow the mechanical response of the boot structure to be defined. Specific boundary conditions are assumed to mimic the binding effects. The investigation allows for an accurate interpretation of global and local effects induced in the specific boot as a function of loading considered. The present procedure can provide a valid set of information of the mechanical response of the boot in direct relation with the real use, taking into account loading and the environmental conditions, and leading to the possibility of defining the reliability and durability properties of the product. The present work is mostly addressed to offer a preliminary report with regard to the procedure adopted for the characterization of the materials and the constitutive formulation to be assumed for the numerical model aimed at the accurate design of a specific region of the ski boot.

Keywords:

• telemark boot
• polymer mechanics
• material testing
• constitutive models
• numerical modelling

Acknowledgements

A note of acknowledgement is addressed to CMBM, Centre of Mechanics of Biological Materials, of University of Padova, Italy, for the support in the present research.