Improvements in materials technology have made a significant impact on sporting performance in recent years. Advanced materials and novel processing methods have enabled the development of new types of equipment with enhanced properties, as well as improving the overall design of sporting goods. The interdependence between material technology and design, and its impact on many of the most popular sports, is reviewed in this book.
For more information, please visit our website.
Materials in Sports Equipment presents the latest research, from a distinguished panel of international contributors, into the chemical structure and composition, microstructure and material processing of the various materials used in a wide range of sports. The relationship between performance and design is examined in detail for each sport covered.
Part 1 concentrates on the general use of materials in sports. Here, the reader is given a broad insight into the overall influence of materials in sports, and the significance of material processing and design.
Part 2 focuses on showing how individual sports have benefited from recent improvements in material technology. It also analyses the way in which improvements in our understanding of biomechanics and the engineering aspects of sports equipment performance have influenced materials and design. Sports whose equipment is considered in detail include: golf, tennis, cycling, mountaineering, skiing, cricket and paralympic sports. The overall aim of the book is to make the reader aware of the interaction between the type of material, its selection, processing and surface treatment, and show how this process underpins the performance of the final sporting product.
It will be essential reading for all materials scientists and researchers working in this rapidly developing field.
About the editor
Mike Jenkins studied Chemistry before completing a PhD in Polymer Science at the University of Birmingham, UK. During a 3 year joint appointment as a Research Fellow at Birmingham and NXT Ltd, his research interests evolved to encompass the dynamic mechanical response of carbon fibre reinforced polymers and engineering polymers. Following his industrial role he was appointed as a lecturer in Materials Science at the University of Birmingham where he is now the Course Director for Sports and Materials Science and Course Tutor for Biomedical and Materials Science. He is an active member of the Executive Committee of the International Sports Engineering Association and the editorial board of the journal, Sports Engineering. His current research interests include the use of polymeric materials in sports equipment and biomedical engineering.
Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
M. Jenkins, University of Birmingham, UK
Part 1: General uses
Chapter 2: Foam protection in sport
N. Mills, University of Birmingham, UK
Chapter 3: Performance of sports surfaces
C. Walker, University of Strathclyde, Scotland, UK
Chapter 4: Running shoe materials
N. Mills, University of Birmingham, UK
Chapter 5: Balls and Ballistics
J. Macari Pallis, Cislunar Aerospace Inc., USA
R. Mehta, NASA Ames Research Centre, USA
Part 2: Particular sports
Chapter 6: Materials in golf
M. Strangwood, University of Birmingham, UK
Chapter 7: Surface engineering in sport
H. Dong, University of Birmingham, UK
Chapter 8: Materials and tennis strings
R. Cross, University of Sydney, Australia
Chapter 9: Materials and tennis rackets
H. Lammer and. J. Kotze, Head Sport AG, Germany
Chapter 10: Materials in bicycles
J. Morgan, University of Bristol, UK
Chapter 11: Materials in mountaineering
J. Blackford, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Chapter 12: Materials in skiing
H. Casey, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA
Chapter 13: Materials in cricket
A. Subic, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
A. Cooke, Cooke Associates, Cambridge, UK
Chapter 14: Materials Used in paralympic sports
J. Macari Pallis, Cislunar Aerospace Inc., USA
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports, technological advancements play a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of what athletes can achieve. Among these innovations, composite materials stand out as a game-changer in the design and functionality of sports equipment. These materials are revolutionising how sports equipment is made, offering enhancements that traditional materials cannot match.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Kangna.
Composite materials are engineered by combining two or more distinct substances, each bringing its unique properties to create a final product superior to the individual components. These materials offer an exceptional balance of lightness, strength, flexibility, and durability. This blend of characteristics makes sports gear such as golf clubs, racing bicycles, and protective helmets not only more efficient but also safer and more enjoyable for athletes.
The primary advantage of using composite materials in sports equipment is their incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Lighter equipment allows for greater speed and agility, which can be the deciding factor in competitive sports. Additionally, composites can be tailored to enhance energy transfer, such as in golf clubs and baseball bats, where the efficient transfer of energy from the athlete to the ball is crucial for optimal performance.
Composite materials also allow for the creation of aerodynamically efficient designs. This capability is particularly beneficial in cycling and skiing, where reducing drag is critical for performance. Furthermore, the versatility of composites means they can be moulded into complex shapes that traditional materials cannot achieve, allowing for innovative designs that improve the overall functionality of sports equipment.
Several key composite materials are commonly used across various sports, each selected for its specific performance characteristics:
Celebrated for its lightweight and high tensile strength, carbon fiber is a staple in high-performance sports like cycling and
motorsports
.
Known for its robustness and flexibility, fibreglass is widely used in
water sports
equipment such as surfboards and boats.
Famous for its high impact resistance and toughness, Kevlar is employed in making protective gear such as racing suits and helmets that require enhanced safety features.
These materials are chosen not only for their physical properties but also for their ability to withstand environmental stresses and repeated use, making them ideal for sports applications.
Safety is a paramount concern in sports, and composite materials significantly contribute to the development of safer sports gear. For instance, helmets made from composites offer better impact resistance and shock absorption compared to those made from traditional materials. This enhanced protection is crucial in preventing head injuries in contact sports or in accidents during high-speed activities like motor racing and cycling.
Moreover, the adaptability of composite materials allows for equipment customisation to fit individual athletes perfectly. This bespoke fitting is vital in protective gear, as it ensures that the equipment provides maximum protection without compromising the athlete&#;s mobility or comfort.
Composite materials also exhibit superior fatigue resistance, which means they maintain their integrity and performance over prolonged periods of use. This durability is essential for safety, as it reduces the risk of equipment failure during critical moments in training or competition.
Composite materials are revolutionising the sports industry by enabling the creation of equipment that enhances athletic performance while providing unprecedented levels of safety.
As technology advances, the role of composites in sports gear is set to grow, continuing to benefit athletes around the world. GMS Composites remains at the forefront of these developments, consistently innovating to bring the best of composite technology to sports enthusiasts everywhere. To learn more about how we can help you develop next-level sporting equipment, contact us today.
Composite materials consist of two or more different materials combined to create a new material with superior properties. In sports equipment, composites are valued for their lightweight, strength, and flexibility, which enhance both performance and safety.
Composite materials improve performance by reducing the weight of the equipment, increasing strength and durability, and allowing for better energy transfer during use. This leads to greater agility, speed, and overall efficiency in sports activities.
The most common types of composite materials used in sports equipment include carbon fiber, known for its strength and lightness; fiberglass, chosen for its durability and flexibility; and Kevlar, recognized for its toughness and excellent impact resistance.
Yes, composite materials are not only safe but often enhance the safety of sports equipment. They are used to construct gear that provides increased protection against impacts and greater durability against wear and tear, thereby reducing the risk of injuries.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Sports Equipment & Accessories.