Transcript An Overview & History of 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”.
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”.
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.
History of Bobsledding

Evolution of the Sled
Wooden Sleds
Lumbersleds
Toboggans
Steel Sleds
Bobsled
Fiberglass Sleds
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)
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
Components of Bobsledding
 Rules
and Regulations
Apparel
Aerodynamics of helmets
Shoe spikes
Clothing
Components of Bobsledding
Rules and Regulations
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 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
Bobsled Structure and Design

Types of Sleds
Two-man sled
Four-man sled

Material of Sled
Steel
Fiberglass
Here is a general overview of the sport of Bobsledding
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)
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Bobsled Structure & Design

Runners
 Shoe Bushings
 Heat retention
 Has low coefficient of friction
 Track Temperature
 Steel
 Normal-carbon Steels 4140 & 4340
 Stainless Steel
How It Works

Critical Moment
 Finding the perfect line
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

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
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
Research & Design

Future Implication
 US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation is
introducing a new bobsled with specially
designed rubberized wheels permitting
year round training
Fun Facts

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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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