DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2009.100
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/370
Date of Award
6-2009
Degree Name
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Department/Program
Mechanical Engineering
Advisor
Brian Self
Abstract
This work describes the development of a custom sit ski for US Ski Team paralympian Greg Mallory from concept through prototype fabrication. The ski consists of a custom seat molded specifically for the athlete, carbon fiber leaf springs, and a custom binding attachment system compatible with NNN style cross country bindings. The sit ski is designed to maximize poling power through the use of an upright rather than reclined seating position, allowing for increased utilization of core muscle strength. The springs were designed based on information gathered by a custom National Instruments data acquisition system, and stiffness analysis was conducted using Castigliano’s theorem applied to classical laminate theory.