Ski jumping involves a lot of skill, and different factors affect how far the ski jumper would jump. Comprehending of the physics principles enable the skiers to execute certain moves. When these factors are manipulated in different scenarios, the desired distance is achieved. The sport of ski jumping requires one to jump the furthest down an inclined slope. It is done by gaining the maximum possible speed one can attain upon takeoff from the ramp. It is achieved by minimizing the frictional drag due to the air resistance between the air and the skier. The air resistance is significantly reduced by going into the crunch position. The crunch position also lowers the position of the center of gravity of the skier hence increasing his stability.
The crunch position reduces the drag as indicated by the equation below;
Fd=1 C ρA V2
2
Where;
is the relative velocity of the skier about the speed of air
is the density of the air
c the coefficient of the drag
A the projected frontal area of the skier perpendicular to the direction of motion
Fd drag force acting opposite the direction of motion of the skier
The range which is the distance the skier can jump from the ramp can also be maximized can be by orienting his body to skis when he is in motion. This is done to minimize the drag and maximize the lift. To do this, the skier leans forward while making a V shape with his skis. The V shape increases the projected frontal area, and this increases the lift force produced by air flowing past the skier. The force generated in turn slows his descending rate, and he is, therefore, capable of staying in the air for a longer time. This increases his time for landing which makes him cover a greater range.
The two key equations that apply to ski jumping are as follows:
Vf = Vi + a*t
d = Vi*t + a*t^2^
Where:
Vf= final Velocity
Vi= initial Velocity
a= acceleration (with gravity and drag included)
t= time in seconds
d=distance in meters
Taking into consideration one of the factors for investigation;
Investigating how height above the ramp affects the range covered by the skiers
When the skier is some distance,h1, the ramp height and h2 as the drop height, the range of the skier can be estimated. The take of movement is also important in providing angular momentum to allow the skier to assume the flight position as quick as possible. The flight posture of the ski jumper will impact on the final distance achieved. Firstly, they need to minimize the drag so that they are slowed down as little as possible. At the same time, they need to maximize the lift force, so that the oncoming airflow ‘holds them up’ as much as possible, increasing flight time.
But the score in ski jumping competition is not all about how far they travel down the hill: only 50 percent of the score is attributable to the distance jumped; 25 percent is given for technique during flight and 25 percent for the landing technique. A perfect jump results in 60 style points and 60 or more points for distance. The position of the body parts and skies while airborne, to attain maximal flight distance, has changed greatly including the style where jumpers fly with arms outreached.
The formula showing the relation between the two perpendicular heights from the ground level can be produced as below
Displacement = velocity x time
S= Vt since Velocity = displacement x Time
m=mass, kg
g=9.81ms-²
t=time, s
v=velocity, ms-¹
h2=height2, m
u=initial velocity, ms-¹
s=displacement (the range), m
h1=height1, m
a=also g in this case, acceleration ms-²
Assuming no energy is lost neither gained, potential energy is equal to kinetic energy.
PE=KE (PE or GPE= mgΔh1)
mgΔh1=½mv² (KE=½mv²)
mgΔh1=½mv²
½v²=gΔh1 x2, √
v=√(2h1g)
Using s=ut+½at² and cosnidering the vertical position.
s=ut+½at²
s=0+½at² 0 vertical velocity
h2=½at² x2, √ ↓a=g
h2=½gt² x2, √ ↓a=g
t=√(2h2 /g)
Then the two Matehmatcial equations can be put togetheor to coe up with a single equation, in the sense:
Displacement = velocity x time
R=√ (2h1g) x √ (2h2 /g)
R=√ (2h1) x √ (2h2)
R=√ (4h1 h2)
Since R=√ (4h1 h2).
In conclusion, In the flight phase, aerodynamic characteristics of the posture control jumping distance. The V-style posture used to be considered as a disordered form so that style point were marked off, However, there was an advantage of 4 meters or more in distance to compensate for the marked off point. That was how the V-style became the main current. Based n the experimental result conducted, the previously popular jumping style in which jumpers hands were placed on the side of the body was proposed. A jumping style before the parallel style was a parallel style with jumpers hands extended over the head. An average jumping distance had improved greatly.
Work cited
Müller, W. "The physics of ski jumping." Proceedings of European School of High-Energy
Physics. Geneva: CERN (2005): 269-278.
Remizov, Ludwig P. "Biomechanics of optimal flight in ski-jumping." Journal of Biomechanics 17.3 (1984): 167-171.
Müller, Erich, and Hermann
Schwameder. "Biomechanical aspects of new techniques in alpine skiing and ski-jumping." Journal of sports sciences 21.9 (2003): 679-692.
