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 performance. It explores the role of engineering in ski technology, focusing on the use of nanocomposite materials to reduce vibrations. The video also covers adaptive ski technology for Paralympic skier Heath Calhoun, emphasizing the use of shock absorbers to maintain contact with the snow and enhance speed. The advancements in ski technology aim to help athletes achieve higher speeds and potentially win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

What is a significant challenge faced by skiers like Julia Mancuso on hard-packed snow surfaces?

• High temperatures

• Vibrations and bumps

• Lack of visibility

• Excessive snowfall

What is the primary goal of Kam Leang's research in ski engineering?

• To increase the weight of skis

• To reduce unwanted vibrations

• To make skis more colorful

• To decrease the cost of ski production

What makes carbon nanotubes beneficial in ski design?

• They are cheaper than traditional materials

• They are stronger than steel and lighter than fiberglass

• They are more flexible than rubber

• They are heavier than steel

How do carbon nanotubes improve the performance of skis?

• By enhancing their strength and stability

• By increasing their weight

• By reducing their length

• By making them more colorful

What unique challenge does Heath Calhoun face as a skier?

• He does not have knees to stabilize himself

• He skis without goggles

• He skis without using poles

• He skis on one leg

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

• To change the color of the ski

• To keep the ski in contact with the snow

• To increase the speed of the ski

• To reduce the weight of the ski

How fast can Heath Calhoun reach on his monoski?

• 80 miles per hour

• 70 miles per hour

• 60 miles per hour

• 50 miles per hour