Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
09:41
Magnet Assisted Composite Manufacturing: A Flexible New Technique for Achieving High Consolidation Pressure in Vacuum Bag/Lay-Up Processes
Published on: May 17, 2018
14.2K
Mechanical Energy Relationships in Vaulting with a Fibreglass Pole
1a School of Physical Education, University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand.
Ergonomics
|January 13, 2017
Summary
Elite pole vaulters exhibit pronounced pole bending and synchronized pole-bending/straightening phases. Their best performances correlate with significant changes in kinetic and potential energy during pole straightening.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Athletic Performance Analysis
Background:
- Understanding the biomechanical factors differentiating elite athletes is crucial for performance enhancement.
- Previous studies have analyzed various aspects of pole vaulting, but a detailed energy analysis linked to performance quality requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the biomechanical and energetic characteristics of pole vaulters during the 1968 New Zealand championships.
- To identify key performance indicators associated with superior pole vaulting technique.
Main Methods:
- Motion-picture analysis of pole vault performances.
- Computation of kinetic energy (translation and rotation), potential energy, and total mechanical energy for each stage of the vault.
- Measurement of pole bend and straightening dynamics.
Main Results:
- Superior pole vaulters demonstrated significantly greater pole bending.
- Elite performances were characterized by similar rates of pole bending and straightening.
- Marked changes in translational kinetic energy and potential energy were observed during the pole straightening phase in top performers.
Conclusions:
- Pronounced pole bending and controlled straightening dynamics are critical for maximizing energy transfer in pole vaulting.
- The efficient conversion of potential and kinetic energy during pole straightening is a hallmark of elite pole vault performance.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Energy Diagrams - I
5.8K
The dynamics of a mechanical system can be easily understood by interpreting a potential energy diagram. Since energy is a scalar quantity, the interpretation of the dynamics of the system becomes even simpler.
Take the example of a skater on a parabolic ramp. The potential energy at different points along the ramp will be proportional to the height of the ramp, which varies quadratically with the horizontal position on the ramp. As the skater moves down the ramp from the highest position,...
Take the example of a skater on a parabolic ramp. The potential energy at different points along the ramp will be proportional to the height of the ramp, which varies quadratically with the horizontal position on the ramp. As the skater moves down the ramp from the highest position,...
5.8K
01:10Energy Diagrams - II
14.1K
Energy diagrams are important to understand the dynamics of a system. The topology of an energy diagram helps illustrate the equilibrium points of the system.
The point in the energy diagram at which the system’s potential energy is the lowest is known as the local minima. The system tends to stay in this position indefinitely unless acted upon by a net force. The slope of the potential energy diagram at the local minima is zero, indicating that zero net force is acting on the system. The...
The point in the energy diagram at which the system’s potential energy is the lowest is known as the local minima. The system tends to stay in this position indefinitely unless acted upon by a net force. The slope of the potential energy diagram at the local minima is zero, indicating that zero net force is acting on the system. The...
14.1K
01:13Kinetic Energy for a Rigid Body
576
Imagine a solid object involved in a general planar movement, with its center of mass pinpointed at a spot labeled G. The object's kinetic energy relative to an arbitrary point A can be quantified for each of its particles - the ith particle in this case. This measurement is achieved through the employment of the relative velocity definition. The position vector, known as rA, extends from point A to the mass element i.
576
01:07Gravitational Potential Energy for Extended Objects
2.0K
Consider a system comprising several point masses. The coordinates of the center of mass for this system can be expressed as the summation of the product of each mass and its position vector divided by the total mass:
2.0K
00:57Power Expended by a Constant Force
9.3K
The relationship between work done and the time taken to do it can be explained using the concept of power. For example, several sprinters in a race may have the same velocity when they reach the finish line, therefore doing the same amount of work, but the winner does it in the least amount of time. Thus, power is defined as the rate of doing work. Since work can vary as a function of time, the average power is defined as the work done during a time interval, divided by the time interval.
9.3K
01:10Work and Energy for Variable Forces
5.9K
When an object is acted upon by a variable force, the amount of work done and the change in energy of the object can be more complex to calculate compared to when a constant force is applied. Work is the product of force and displacement, while energy is the capacity of a system to do work. When a constant force is applied to an object, the work done can be calculated as the product of the force and the distance moved in the direction of the force. However, when a variable force is applied, the...
5.9K