Science of the Winter Olympic Games - Alpine Skiing and Vibration Damping

The video discusses the achievements of Alpine skiers Heath Calhoun and Julia Mancuso, highlighting the importance of speed and ski design in their success. It explores the role of engineering in enhancing ski performance, particularly through the use of nanocomposite materials to reduce vibrations. The video also covers adaptive ski technology, focusing on Heath Calhoun's monoski, which uses a specialized shock absorber system to maintain contact with the snow and improve stability. These technological advancements aim to help athletes achieve higher speeds and potentially win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

What is a major challenge faced by skiers like Julia Mancuso on the slopes?

• Inadequate ski equipment

• Vibrations and bumps on the slope

• Poor weather conditions

• Lack of proper training

What innovative material is Kam Leang's team using to reduce ski vibrations?

• Aluminum

• Fiberglass

• Steel

• Nanoscale carbon tubes

How do carbon nanotubes improve the performance of skis?

• By increasing their flexibility and stability

• By making them heavier

• By changing their color

• By reducing their cost

What unique challenge does Heath Calhoun face as a skier?

• He competes without a helmet

• He skis on one leg

• He does not have knees to stabilize himself

• He skis without using poles

What is the purpose of the shock absorber system designed for Heath Calhoun?

• To change the direction of the ski

• To make the ski lighter

• To keep the ski in contact with the snow

• To increase the speed of the ski

What is the role of flexible plates in the shock absorber system for Calhoun's monoski?

• To reduce the length of the ski

• To increase the weight of the ski

• To control the amount of fluid in the chamber

• To change the color of the ski

How do technological advancements in ski equipment benefit athletes like Mancuso and Calhoun?

• By making skiing more dangerous

• By making skiing more expensive

• By helping them reach higher speeds and win medals

• By reducing the need for training