Ski Boot Thermography Method and Its Significance

Abstract

Protection from cold is one of the most important functions considered in designing and manufacturing ski boots. Thermography is used for evaluating cold protection capacity of various kinds of inner shoes and boot shells. We performed thermal analysis of three boot categories using two thermography methods, and the results were compared. We observed that (1) thermography is a valid method for boot cooling studies; (2) both an inner shoe and boot shell aid in thermal insulation; (3) progressive cooling and forced warming of the boot give the same results in identifying heat exchange areas; (4) blood flow, muscle activity during skiing, and boot fit must be considered in designing ski boots; and (5) because of the importance of this boot function, a standardized method of analysis should be adapted by all manufacturers. We concluded that the structure must be analyzed with thermography testing. It is not necessary to use an artificial limb inside the boot to obtain satisfactory data.

Materials, Designs and Standards Used in Ski-Boots for Alpine Skiing

“…In general, higher temperatures have been recorded for men testers with respect to those recorded for women. The efficiency of thermal insulation can also be measured using infrared thermography methods [77]. Heat Flow (mW) Temperature (°C)…”

Změna teplot sněhu při běhu na lyžích v obraze sekvenční termografie

“…Bradley (2009) publikoval analogické zkušenosti s ohřevem ledu při metání košťaty v curlingu. Práce s využitím infračervené termovizní techniky v běžeckém lyžování se zabývá traumatologií (Zucco et al 1991).…”