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An Overview & History on Bobsleds

An Overview & History on Bobsleds. Liz Mulhern Jenny Tumberger Laurie Marshall. History of Bobsledding. 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”.

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An Overview & History on Bobsleds

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

  2. History of Bobsledding • 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”.

  3. History of Bobsledding • Introduction of Bobsledding as A Sport 1897- Bobsledding began in Albany, NY and quickly spread to Switzerland and 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.

  4. History of Bobsledding • Evolution of the Sled Wooden Sleds Lumbersleds Toboggans Steel Sleds Bobsled Fiberglass Sleds

  5. Components of Bobsledding • 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)

  6. Components of Bobsledding • 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

  7. Components of Bobsledding • Rules and Regulations Apparel Aerodynamics of helmets Shoe spikes Clothing

  8. Maximum Length 2.70 m 3.80 m Maximum Width 0.67 m 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 BobsleddingRules and Regulations

  9. Components of Bobsledding • 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

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

  11. Bobsledding Explained Here is a general overview of the sport of Bobsledding

  12. Bobsled Structure and Design • Sled features • 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)

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

  14. How It Works • Critical Moment • Finding the perfect line

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

  16. Research & Design • US Bobsled Design • Airflow Sciences Corp. developed sled • Cut sled’s aerodynamic drag to 40% • Kelvar/carbon fiber monocoque gives stronger than steel cocoon • Used powdered tungsten to put the weight where they wanted it • Suspension is only in the seating system

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

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

  19. Fun Facts • 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

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