Dynamic Characteristics of Javelin and Athletic Performance

Athletic performance in javelin throw is affected by various characteristics of the javelin. In this paper, four different types of javelins are investigated using the technique of modal analysis, and are thrown by eight javelin throwers. The effect of dynamic characteristics of the javelin on the athletic performance is discussed. There are no differences in the static characteristics among the four javelins, but their dynamic characteristics are different in the resonant frequency, the dynamic compliance, the logarithmic decrement and the moment of inertia. It was found that the dynamic characteristics of the javelin affected the athletic performance in javelin throw. The rate of influence in terms of the thrown distance is about two to three percent.