An Overview History on Bobsleds Liz Mulhern Jenny

An Overview & History on Bobsleds Liz Mulhern Jenny Tumberger Laurie Marshall

History of Bobsledding n Initial Use of Bobsleds 1800’s- The Bobsled was initially used as a form of transportation and was referred to as a “toboggan” or “lumbersled”. 1877 - Switzerland attached the first steering mechanism to the toboggan and steel replaced wood as the main construction component of the sled, rendering the name “bobsled”.

History of Bobsledding n Introduction of Bobsledding as A Sport 1897 - Bobsledding began in Albany, NY and quickly spread to Switzerland throughout Europe, eventually advancing itself to a “sport” status. 1914 - Races started taking place on natural ice courses throughout winter resorts in Europe. 1923 - Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (FIBT) was created. 1928 - Four-man Bobsledding was added to the Winter Olympic Games, 1932, the Two-man Sled was added.

History of Bobsledding n Evolution of the Sled Wooden Sleds Lumbersleds Toboggans Steel Sleds Bobsled Fiberglass Sleds

Components of Bobsledding n Selection Criteria of Athletes Driver- steers the sled, leaders of the team, quick reaction time, great hand-eye coordination, and the ability to push the sled fast from the start Pushers or “Bobbers”- push the sled fast at the start, shift weight to help the driver steer during the race, and are generally recruited from sports like football and track Brakeman- athlete in the back of the sled, engages a brake (a metal claw digging into the ice)

Components of Bobsledding n Clothing and Protective Gear Shoes- special shoes made by Adidas & trade containing 500 tiny spikes under the ball of the foot arranged in a brush formation Body Suits- snug fitting, stretchy speed suits Protective Gear- Helmet, goggles, padding, gloves

Components of Bobsledding n Rules and Regulations Apparel Aerodynamics of helmets Shoe spikes Clothing

Components of Bobsledding Rules and Regulations Maximum Length 2. 70 m 3. 80 m Maximum Width 0. 67 m Maximum Weight* 390 kg 630 kg *The maximum weight includes the crew. Weight bars may be added to achieve maximum weight.

Components of Bobsledding n Rules and Regulations Track 1500 meters long Average slope of 8% First 15 meters almost flat Next 50 meters 12% grade steepness (timed zone) Sled Must not exceed weight limit Runners can’t be heated or lubricated Runners cannot exceed +/- 4 degrees C

Bobsled Structure and Design n Types of Sleds Two-man sled Four-man sled n Material of Sled Steel Fiberglass

Here is a general overview of the sport of Bobsledding

Bobsled Structure and Design n Sled features n Cowling -The front covering of the Bobsled. It cannot be clear and must not shatter on impact. Push bar -The handles on the sled that the driver and the crew use to push it at the start of the race. Bunks -The "fins" on the front and back of the bobsled. There purpose is to stop the entire sled from hitting a wall. D-Rings -The handles used by the driver to steer the sled, and named because of there shape Ropes -Connects the D-Rings to the steering box. Articulation -The joint in the sled that allows the sled to twist on and off a curve( shown as black line by drivers hands) n n n

Bobsled Structure & Design n Runners u Shoe Bushings u Heat retention u Has low coefficient of friction t Track Temperature u Steel t Normal-carbon Steels 4140 & 4340 t Stainless Steel

How It Works n Critical Moment u Finding the perfect line

How It Works One mile long ice covered course n Speeds at 90 mph n Push start is crucial n When braking, the crew feels five times the force of gravity n Sled can reach up to 4 G’s on curves n

Research & Design n US Bobsled Design u Airflow Sciences Corp. developed sled t Cut sled’s aerodynamic drag to 40% t Kelvar/carbon fiber monocoque gives stronger than steel cocoon t Used powdered tungsten to put the weight where they wanted it t Suspension is only in the seating system

Research & Design n Simulators u An electro-mechanical system designed and constructed in an attempt to mimic the actual experience as closely as possible t Gives four real-time senses • Visual, tactile, vestibular, auditory

Research & Design n Future Implication u US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation is introducing a new bobsled with specially designed rubberized wheels permitting year round training

Fun Facts n n n Only 2 bobsled tracks in US – Utah and NY, 16 in the world Bobsled got its name because riders had to bob forward and backward to get sled started Bobsled pilots must go to school to get a license Fast starts usually result in fastest finishing times First sleds had rope steering and no brakes – stopped by using a garden rake