Experimental Evaluation Method for Vibration Characteristics of Skis During Turns

The turning performance of alpine skis has come to be discussed from the point of view of vibration engineering. Vibration of the ski is generated by unevenness of the snow surface when the skier changes edges during turns. This paper compares the evaluation method on the basis of the experimental results of indoor and outdoor tests. From the results of the outdoor test performed on ski slopes, it can be observed that the ski oscillates during the execution of a turn. From the results of the indoor test, it can be confirmed that the modal parameter of a ski under edging conditions while loaded at the binding mounting area can be measured by experimental modal analysis. Natural frequencies measured by indoor test are closely related to the geometry of the thickness and the side-cut, in the case of constant ski length. It can be anticipated that natural frequencies of skis during turns will be simulated by the experimental modal analysis and that new skis will be designed in the near future using these results.