Computer analysis of bobsleigh team push

Abstract

Bobsleigh start is a simple action requiring the crew to push as hard as possible and gain maximum initial velocity of the sled at the start. However, detailed computer analysis based on velocity and acceleration data shows that timing of loading play a very important role. In this work we demonstrate that a very important performance parameter commonly called exit velocity can be use as both target and performance measurement. The analysis of time profiles allowed us to modify the timing of the loading and gain nearly 1km/h on the exit speed.