New test rig for the characterization of ski boot stiffness presented

A newly developed test rig for measuring the shaft stiffness of ski boots was developed by the Professorship of Sport Equipment and Materials. The test rig is part of the exhibition "150 Years of Mechanical Engineering" which is displayed in the main building of the faculty of mechanical engineering. The developer Michael Knye B.Sc. (right) and Professor Senner, who had the idea for the new procedure, are shown in the picture. The peculiarity of the device is that it realistically reproduces the loads that occur during skiing between the athlete and the ski boot. Thus, the shoes can be evaluated not only in terms of their skiing characteristics, but also in terms of their protective function for the ankle and the proper interaction with the ski binding.