Effect of ski tapering on turning radius and stress

The first part of this paper deals with the influence of the side cut on the turn radius, which was examined by measuring the turn radius of a self-running sledge-like construction and by comparing it to Howe's prediction. The turn radius at the beginning of the turn has proved to be between 65 and 85% of the theoretically expected result. In the second part a carvers turn radius was determined and the reaction force acting on the skier was calculated. The result shows a strong reduction of the turn radius along the path which increases the load on the skier. The effect of side cut and velocity on the load was examined. Using carver skis even small changes in velocity resulted in considerable load changes.