• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.219-227
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• 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of bobsleigh shoes on the lower extremity range of motion and start speed lap time and to develop bobsleigh shoes suitable for winter environments and Korean players based on sports science and optimized biomechanical performance. Background: The bobsleigh shoes used in the start section of the sport are one of the most important equipment for improving athletes' performances. Despite the importance of the start section, there are no shoes that are specifically designed for Korean bobsleigh athletes. Thus, Korean athletes have to wear sprint spike shoes instead of bobsleigh shoes to practice the start. Method: The subjects included four bobsleigh athletes from the Gangwon Province Bobsleigh Skeleton Federation. The study selected the bobsleigh shoe type A (company A) and type B (company B). We analyzed the lower extremity range of motion and sprint time (start line to 10 m) using a Motion Analysis System (USA). Results: In the measurement of the time required for the bobsleigh start section (10 m), the type A shoes demonstrated the fastest section record by $2.765{\pm}0.086sec$ and yielded more efficient movements, hip and knee flexion, hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and inversion than the type B shoes. Conclusion: Type A shoes can yield a better performance via effective lower extremity movements in the bobsleigh start section. Application: In the future, functional analysis should be conducted by comparing the upper material properties, comfort, and muscle fatigue of bobsleigh shoes based on the Type A shoes to develop such shoes suitable for Koreans.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.239-245
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• 2017

Objective: The bobsleigh shoes used in the start section are one of the most important equipment for improving the competition. Despite the importance of the start section, there are no shoes that are specific for bobsleigh athletes in Korea and Korean athletes have to wear sprint spike shoes and practice the start instead of wearing bobsleigh shoes. The objective of the present study was to provide data for improving the performance of Korean bobsleigh athletes by investigating the differences in their split time, plantar pressure, and forefoot bending angle based on skill levels at the start of a run under the same conditions as training conditions. Method: Six Korean bobsleigh athletes were divided into two groups, superior (n=3) and non-superior (n=3). A digital speedometer measured the split time at the start; the Pedar-X system (Novel, Germany) measured plantar pressure. Plantar pressures and split times were measured as the athletes pushed a bobsleigh and sprinted at full speed from the start line to the 10-m mark on the bobsleigh track. An ultra-high-speed camera was used to measure the forefoot bending angle during the start phase. Results: Significant between-group differences were found in split times (p<.000; superior = 2.38 s, non-superior = 2.52 s). The superior group had a larger rearfoot (p<.05) contact area, maximum rearfoot force (p<.01), and a larger change in angles 3 and 4 (p<.05). Conclusion: At the start of a bobsleigh run, proper use of the rearfoot for achieving effective driving force and increasing frictional resistance through a wider frictional force can shorten start time.

• Journal of computational fluids engineering
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.37-45
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• 2015

A parametric study on the shapes of bobsleigh bumpers has been performed to reduce the aerodynamic drag. Effects of geometric parameters, such as leading angle of leading bumper, the ratio of minimum width to maximum width of leading bumper, the ratio of leading bumper length to trailing bumper length, trailing angle of trailing bumper, and the ratio of bumper height to installation location of bumper from the bottom of bobsleigh, on the aerodynamic performance of the bobsleigh were estimated using 3-D Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The turbulence was analyzed using the shear stress turbulence model. Reynolds number based on the hydraulic diameter of the external flow channel was in the range of 150,000~1,000,000. Numerical results for drag coefficient were validated compared to experimental data. Ranges of the five geometric parameters were determined according to the rule of Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobaganning. The aerodynamic performance of the bobsleigh sled was most sensitive to the leading angle of leading bumper and the ratio of minimum width to maximum width of leading bumper.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Broadcast Engineers Conference
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• 2009.01a
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• pp.803-807
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• 2009

The bobsleigh is a winter sport which use a sled to slide down an ice-covered course. There is a big expectation for having a training environment and being able to train year round. At present, training is very limited due to the season or course facilities. A variety of VR (Virtual Reality) equipment has been developed in recent years, and it is beginning to spread. We have also made our contribution in bobsleigh simulation. The reactive force applied in our bobsleigh simulation is much smaller than that of a real bobsleigh. This paper proposes a method to enhance reactive force of bobsleigh simulation in real time. The reactive force is magnified instantly in the physically-based simulation. The Laplacian filter is applied to the sequence of reactive force, this technique is often used in the field of image processing. The simulation is comprised of four large scale surround screens and a 6-D.O.F. (Degree Of Freedom) motion system. We also conducted an experiment with several motion patterns to evaluate the effectiveness of enhancement. The experimental results proved useful in some cases.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.465-474
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• 2015

Objective : A study and development of Korean Bobsleigh athletes's shoe which considers their physical condition has yet to be completed. So this study examines the effects of running shoes used by athletes based on plantar pressure and sprint time in order to provide raw data for the development of bobsleigh shoes suitable for Koreans. Method : The study selected seven bobsleigh athletes as subjects and selected three pairs of spiked running shoes from three companies, which will be referred to as Company N (Type A), Company A (Type B), and Company M (Type C). To analyze sprint time and plantar pressure for each shoe, the subject of the study were instructed to wear the selected shoes and to drag a sled at maximum sprint for 15 meters for 15 meters for in each condition that would be in real bobsleigh competitions. Results : The average sprint intervals for each athlete in each pair of shoes revealed Type C produce the fastest sprint in the order of Type C < Type A< Type B. Shoe Type C also had the largest contact area in order of Type C > Type B > Type A (p<.01). None of the three shoe types seem to yield a distinct advantage in terms of maximum average pressure or maximum pressure. Conclusion : In the future, functional analysis should be carried out by comparing the material properties, hardness, and toe spring of shoes based on the Type C shoe from Company M in order to develop bobsleigh shoes suitable for Koreans.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.10 no.8
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• pp.159-164
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• 2019

The front bumper of bobsleigh is mounted to alleviate the impact, but the air resistance to the bobsleigh depends on the body shape positioned in front. This study was conducted the flow analyses about three kinds of bobsleigh configurations. Models B and C with the sharp type of the front can reduce the air resistance than model A with the round type of the front. And the type that the back of the bumper narrows can generate a flow smoother than the one widening. It is thought that the results of this study can be devoted at ensuring the body design to reduce the flow resistance most at bobsleigh. As the design data with the durability of bobsleigh obtained on the basis of this study result are utilized, the esthetic sense can be shown by being grafted onto the machine or structure at real life.

• Transactions of the KSME C: Technology and Education
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 2015

Analysis of the aerodynamic performance of a bobsleigh has been performed for various types of bobsleigh body shape. To analyze the aerodynamic performance of the bobsleigh, three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stoke equations were used with the standard k-${\varepsilon}$ model as a turbulence closure. Grid structure was composed of unstructured tetrahedral grids. The radii of curvature of cowling, and height and length of front bumper at the tip on the drag coefficient were selected as geometric parameters. And, the effects of these parameters on the aerodynamic performance, i.e., the drag coefficient, were evaluated. The results shows that the aerodynamic performance is significantly affected by the height of front bumper and radius of curvature.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.315-323
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• 2016

This study examined the durability and method for making a mockup of bobsled tracks for constructing a bobsled stadium, which is a sport in the Winter Olympics. As bobsleigh games are very fast and dangerous, a safety design for players and a precise construction using highly efficient shotcrete is necessary. Moreover, a general molding construction is difficult because bobsleigh tracks are composed of various curves and slopes, and it is necessary to construct them using high-strength and high durability materials. The developed method for making a mockup and performing durability evaluation of bobsleigh tracks through this research will be applied in the construction of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Sliding centre and bobsleigh tracks using domestic techniques.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.315-321
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• 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze effects of the toe-spring angle of bobsleigh shoes on start speed lap time to develop Korean-specific bobsled shoes suitable for winter environments and for domestic players on the basis of sports science and optimized biomechanical performance. Method: Seven Korean bobsleigh athletes participated in this study, with three pairs of sprint spikes from three companies (Type A, Type B, Type C). To analyze sprint lap time and forefoot bending angle for each shoe, participants were instructed to drag a sled 15 meters from the start line at a maximum sprint. forefoot bending angle was collected by a high speed camera, and lap time speed was measured. Results: Lap time for type B shoes was $3.52{\pm}0.17sec$, type A was $3.55{\pm}0.19sec$, and type C was $3.56{\pm}0.18sec$. Forefoot bending angles were: angle 1, $6.88{\pm}5.55^{\circ}$; angle 2, $9.23{\pm}6.38^{\circ}$; angle 3, $15.56{\pm}5.39^{\circ}$; angle 4, $9.54{\pm}3.85^{\circ}$; angle 5, $9.22{\pm}5.08^{\circ}$; angle 6, $7.66{\pm}6.44^{\circ}$; and angle 7, $4.30{\pm}6.24^{\circ}$ (p<.001). Forefoot bending in angle 3 was as follows: type A, $16.47{\pm}6.01^{\circ}$; type B, $14.30{\pm}4.96^{\circ}$; and type C, $15.90{\pm}5.17^{\circ}$. Conclusion: Hard outsoles and midsoles are better than soft type for reduced start lap time when developing a prototype Korean bobsled shoe.

• Journal of Industrial Technology
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• v.35
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• pp.47-53
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• 2015

Recent extreme weather events and natural disasters are causing rapid aging of the ancient structures with cultural value. It has threatened the safety and management. The construction design documents are not kept for such long time. Even if they are, they seem to be mismatched with the design structures due to corrosive effects. For these reasons, Korea has been facing difficulties in maintenance, reengineering and safety evaluation. In this study, three dimensional point cloud surface of bobsleigh is obtained using 3D LiDAR scanner. The obtained structure is compared with the original design and found to be highly accurate. The study shows the application of reverse engineering technique and its potential use for other civil structures.