| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Mechanical Response of Materials Investigated Through Novel In-Situ Experiments and Modeling
|
| Presentation Title |
Title: In-Situ Tribological Analysis of UHMWPE Ski Bases and Advanced Wax Formulations for Enhanced Glide Performance |
| Author(s) |
Jeffrey S. Bates |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jeffrey S. Bates |
| Abstract Scope |
This study investigates the tribological properties of UHMWPE ski bases and various wax formulations to enhance glide performance. We employed a multi-faceted approach combining traditional material characterization with novel in-situ tribological analysis. Key innovations include a custom linear tribometer with a controlled environment and advanced surface analysis techniques, enabling real-time observation of the ski-snow interface. Our findings reveal that surface roughness significantly influences glide performance. In-situ SEM and AFM monitoring provided insights into wear mechanisms, while synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction studied wax crystalline structure under varying conditions. Integration of experimental data with multiscale computational models allowed the development of predictive tools for ski base and wax performance. This interdisciplinary approach, combining materials science, tribology, and computational modeling, offers a new framework for optimizing ski equipment performance with potential applications in other low-friction interface scenarios. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Mechanical Properties, Characterization, Polymers |