Analysis of composite structure of vaulting pole

The pole vault is one of the most technical of athletic events. Therefore a considerable amount of time should be spent on understanding and perfecting this discipline. The aim of study for engineers is the vaulting pole construction in order to improve this tool and in consequence help athletes obtain better results. In recent years, vaulting poles are made out of combination of materials - the most commonly used are CFRP and GFRP. Modern advances in composite production techniques are allowing improvements in athletics tool design. This book provides analysis of mechanical parameters of the vaulting pole as a main precondition for the practical applicability of the concept of composite materials in the pole vault. A vaulting pole was modelled and analyzed using Finite Element Method and experimental tests were performed. The experimental tests were performed on a fibreglass vaulting pole which was equipped with strain gages. FEM analysis was used to determine and compare different material constructions applied in vaulting poles. The analysis should be useful to producers of track&field equipment,or anyone else who is interested in composite structures.