Sports Physics 2024

In previous works, a combination of 3D finite element (FE) simulations of shock absorption tests driven by advanced material characterization has been developed, developing a powerful framework for the prediction of cushioning properties of athletics tracks while allowing for a detailed description of geometrical parameters and materials mechanical properties. Unfortunately, the exploitation of this method to analyse a large number of design alternatives was severely limited by the dimensionality of the problem combined with the high computational costs of the dynamic, highly nonlinear FE model. The 2024 Olympic Games prompted the development of a method to efficiently explore the effect of some geometric variables using this tool. A Kriging-based metamodel was built, aiming to provide a fast evaluation of the cushioning response of several iterations of the currently used honeycomb pattern as well of a newly proposed one in which hexagons are replaced by ellipses. From the analysis of the results, we were able to derive important design guidelines to improve the cushioning properties, such as aiming for a higher void fraction and the absence of edges; this information were then transferred to the final design of the Olympics track.