The impact of bob-skeleton sled dynamics on steering performance

The sport of skeleton presents the engineer with a complex multi-physics challenge where marginal performance gains can make the difference between success and failure. The Performance Sports Engineering laboratory has worked closely with the English Institute of Sport(Research & Innovation) and British Skeleton for over a decade and played its part in the Olympic success of Amy Williams and Lizzy Yarnold. The majority of this work has been through focussed PhD programmes examining in detail the physics of how a sled and slider can maximise their chances of success.

An area where there is considerable scope to understand better how a sled descends on ice is the process of how a slider initiates a control manoeuvre. This is a complex process that includes the influence of reaction time and what cues are used, the method whereby the slider activates the control of the sled’s descent trajectory, the resultant dynamic distortion of the sled structure and the physics of the reaction force between the runner and ice. What is required is the development of a model that represents all components of this process and can support the coaches and athletes in better understand how they achieve optimum performance on a given track.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual, who is prepared to work across disciplines and grow their skills. You should have an active interest in sport, be able to work well within a team environment, be excited about answering fundamental research questions alongside delivering research that has a real impact. Ideally candidates will have a first class degree with a background in mechanical engineering, ship science, aerospace, physics or mathematics. You should be confident with coding as well as experimentation and be happy to spend extended periods of time embedded within the sport conducting your research.

This PhD project will be funded as part of the UK governments new Industrial Strategy. The scholarship will cover full UK fees and a stipend of between £16k and £18k per year depending on academic qualifications.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof Stephen Turnock, Fluid structure interactions research group, Email:s,r,[Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 592488.