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Modelling the deflection of rowing oar shafts
Brock Laschowski1, Cameron C Hopkins2, John R de Bruyn2
1a School of Kinesiology , University of Western Ontario , London , Canada.
Sports Biomechanics
|July 12, 2016
Summary
Rowing oar shafts exhibit non-uniform stiffness, being more flexible near the sleeves and stiffer towards the blades. This variation impacts boat propulsion and overall rowing performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Engineering
- Biomechanics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Rowing oar shafts are critical components influencing boat propulsion and performance.
- Understanding oar shaft mechanics under load is essential for optimizing rowing efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the static deflection of rowing oar shafts.
- To compare experimental results with theoretical models of homogenous cantilever beams.
- To analyze the impact of non-uniform stiffness on oar shaft deflection.
Main Methods:
- Tested two sets of sculling oars with varying design stiffness at different lengths (2.66–2.70 m).
- Applied static loads up to 201 N to the blade end.
- Measured deflections at six positions along the oar shaft length.
Main Results:
- Oar shafts demonstrated non-uniform stiffness, contrary to homogenous beam assumptions.
- Shafts were most compliant near the sleeves and up to 80% stiffer towards the blades.
- Maximum deflection angle at the blade end was 1.18 ± 0.01°.
Conclusions:
- The non-uniform stiffness of rowing oar shafts significantly affects their mechanical behavior.
- These findings have direct implications for improving boat propulsion and rowing performance through oar design.
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