Measuring Shock Absorbency / Kinetic Energy

[CyZi]

I want to experiment regarding the shock absorbing properties of different insoles.

I do not know what formulas to use or how to experiment in the most reliable, valid and accurate way. Can someone please direct me in the right direction regarding my problem for both experimentations and formulas to use? Thank you.

 

[Chestermiller]

I want to experiment regarding the shock absorbing properties of different insoles.

I do not know what formulas to use or how to experiment in the most reliable, valid and accurate way. Can someone please direct me in the right direction regarding my problem for both experimentations and formulas to use? Thank you.

Have you tried Google?

 

[CyZi]

Have you tried Google?

I have, and unfortunately it has not come up with anything fantastic. The only thing I have received from a google search is KE = 1/2mv^2. However, I do not understand how to measure this practically.

 

[renormalize]

The only thing I have received from a google search is KE = 1/2mv^2.

You need to broaden your Google search terms; try "insole shock test". Here's one relevant hit:
Falling mass shock absorption test
"SCOPE
This method is intended to determine the shock absorption properties of a material or assembly. The method is mainly applicable to the bottom units of whole shoes but can also be used to assess any compressible sheet material such as those used for solings, midsoles and insocks."

 

[CyZi]

This method is intended to determine the shock absorption properties of a material or assembly.

Thank you, I do appreciate this.

However, in regards to this experiment, there are no specificity in regards to the formula used as well as the method used as well. I will continue with that google search, however this method does seem appealing - It's just that there is no genuine information regarding the experiment conducted by 'SCOPE'. Would you have any information in regards to the methods or formulas used?

 

[renormalize]

Would you have any information in regards to the methods or formulas used?

A bit more googling about this method finds the following links which describe the testing:
https://www.satra.com/bulletin/article.php?id=2002
https://www.satra.com/bulletin/article.php?id=706
https://www.satra.com/bulletin/article.php?id=1407
I'm sure all the appropriate "formulas" are defined in the operating manual for the test instrument. Below is an example of a measurement result (from the third link above).
Test result display, showing deceleration (top line) and displacement (bottom line), indicating compression and rebound:

By combining the SATRA TM142 shock absorption test and the TM156 repeated compression test, an assessment can be made of the shock absorption and energy return characteristics for footwear when new, and also after a simulated period of use. Hence, these properties can be assessed over the anticipated lifetime of the footwear.

 

[Tom.G]

Try this search. Some/many of the results are from major suppliers that likely have down-loadable data sheets and application notes.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=accelerometer+sensor

Please let us know how you fare, and feel free to ask questions when you get stuck.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Chestermiller]

Try "rheology of shoe insoles"

 

[CyZi]

Please let us know how you fare, and feel free to ask questions when you get stuck.

Hi Tom,
Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.

In regards to using an accelerometer, how would I use it to identify the absorption of shock? I understand that the accelerometer can be used to identify velocity, but does that also apply to when the kinetic energy impacts the insole? Please let me know. It is a bit confusing to understand how an accelerometer in my situation could be beneficial however that is due to my lack of understanding of physics in general.

Thank you.

 

[Tom.G]

"acceleration, rate at which velocity changes with time..."
https://www.britannica.com/science/acceleration

But the suggestion by @Chestermiller may be a better approach for you (not as much work involved );
Try "rheology of shoe insoles"