Is the Blade Loading Sufficient for Minimum Sliding Resistance at Top Speed?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on optimizing blade loading for a model designed to measure air resistance while skating at a top speed of 90 kph (82 fps). The model utilizes three stainless steel (SS) blades, each 30 cm long and 1 mm thick, with a loading of 2 kg per blade, resulting in 0.67 kg/cm². The key variables affecting sliding resistance include pressure between the blades and the ice, as well as ice temperature. The user plans to enhance the model by incorporating pressure sensors on each blade to refine the data collection process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with pressure sensors and microcontroller data collection
  • Knowledge of ice skate friction and its influencing factors
  • Experience with experimental design and optimization techniques
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  • Research the effects of ice temperature on skate blade performance
  • Learn about advanced pressure sensor integration with microcontrollers
  • Explore experimental methods for optimizing blade loading in skating
  • Investigate the relationship between blade length and sliding resistance
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This discussion is beneficial for engineers, hobbyists, and researchers involved in model design, aerodynamics, and sports science, particularly those focusing on optimizing performance in ice skating applications.

Colin Wilson
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I'm building a model as shown below (side, front, back). In order to measure its air resistance I will be mounting it on temporary ice blades (Green) and driving it down a long skating rink. The model has a pressure sensor incorporated into the motor / propeller assembly and a GPS unit to measure velocity, a microcontroller collects the data (pressure / velocity) and writes it to an SD card. As it sits the blade loading would be as follows:
  • (3) SS blades = 30cm long * 1mm thick
  • Top speed 90kph (82fps)
  • Loading 2kg per blade = 0.67kg / cm2
My question: Is the blade loading high enough given the top speed to ensure minimum sliding resistance? I can add more weight to the model or I can reduce the blade lengths.
DB Slim Test Sled Side.jpg
DB Slim Body Front.jpg
DB Slim Test Sled Back.jpg
 
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I searched ice skate friction, and found myself traveling down a rabbit hole of interesting information. But I did not find an answer to your question. You apparently already understand that pressure between the skate blades and the ice is a key variable, as is also the ice temperature.

I suggest that you treat the blade loading as an experimental variable, and run a series of experiments to optimize it.
 
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Thank you for your input.
In any case woke up this morning and decided to put pressure sensors on each blade and subtract those readings from the motor reading so problem solved!
 

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