Development of Snowboard Simulation Using Distinct Element Method

Abstract

Snowboard manufactures make many prototypes in design process of snowboard. This method takes a lot of cost and time. Snowboarding simulation methods have been developed in order to solve this problem. However, few snowboarding simulation method based on the discrete dynamic behavior of snow has been developed. In this study, we develop a snowboarding simulation method using Distinct Elemental Method (DEM) to reproduce discrete behavior of snow. As a result, the simulation evaluates relationship between the turn and board shape. At the same time, we develop a test equipment to verify the validity of the simulation method. The parameters used for the simulation, which are board shape, particle mass and other parameters necessary for reproducing the running surface, are identified from the test device. As a result, the same tendency is confirmed in simulation and test.