An approach to modeling impact energy absorption by surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Materials Science
• Sports Engineering

Background:

• Surface energy return is critical for injury prevention and performance in human impacts.
• Understanding energy dissipation and return is key to evaluating impact surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simplified rheological computer model for simulating human-surface impacts.
• To characterize the energy return properties of gymnastic tumbling mats.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory drop tests were conducted to determine the force-time-displacement characteristics of gymnastic mats.
• Various spring-damper rheological models were evaluated against experimental impact data.
• An exponential spring and depth damper model was identified as optimal.

Main Results:

• The chosen rheological model accurately replicated experimental acceleration-time and force-displacement curves.
• The model effectively demonstrated the energy flow and exchange properties of the tested mats.
• This approach proved less complex than finite element modeling.

Conclusions:

• Rheological modeling offers a viable, less complex alternative to finite element analysis for simulating impacts.
• This method is valuable for characterizing surfaces when the impacting body cannot be instrumented.
• The approach aids in predicting force and energy transfer in non-rigid impacts.