Degration of Different Track Spikes on a Polyurethane Track Surface

School Name

Spring Valley High School

Grade Level

10th Grade

Presentation Topic

Consumer Science

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

Sports provide many opportunities for research as athletes strive to attain newer, more challenging goals. Track spikes have evolved over the years in many shapes, sizes, and materials in order to increase performance and achieve faster times. While many studies have tracked the energy return of different spikes, the goal of this study was to identify which of the most commonly used track spike designs (pyramid, needle, and christmas tree) were most effective in reducing damage and breakdown. The manufactured track spike length is 1⁄4 inches. Degradation of the spikes was tested by weighing the spikes then running on the spikes for 200 meters and weighing the spikes again. All tests were run on the same polyurethane track to ensure accurate results. The data collected from the results was compared by finding percent change as the different types of spikes had various weights. This use of percent change allowed data to be compared to find the spike with the least amount of degradation. This study showed that the needle spike degraded the most followed by the pyramid and then a distant third and the most durable christmas tree spike. The results of a one-way ANOVA test indicated no significance in the results, F(0.05) = 2.407, p = 3.15. As a result, it was concluded that there was no significant difference between the degradation of each track spike.

Location

RITA 371

Start Date

3-23-2024 10:45 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 23rd, 10:45 AM

Degration of Different Track Spikes on a Polyurethane Track Surface

RITA 371

Sports provide many opportunities for research as athletes strive to attain newer, more challenging goals. Track spikes have evolved over the years in many shapes, sizes, and materials in order to increase performance and achieve faster times. While many studies have tracked the energy return of different spikes, the goal of this study was to identify which of the most commonly used track spike designs (pyramid, needle, and christmas tree) were most effective in reducing damage and breakdown. The manufactured track spike length is 1⁄4 inches. Degradation of the spikes was tested by weighing the spikes then running on the spikes for 200 meters and weighing the spikes again. All tests were run on the same polyurethane track to ensure accurate results. The data collected from the results was compared by finding percent change as the different types of spikes had various weights. This use of percent change allowed data to be compared to find the spike with the least amount of degradation. This study showed that the needle spike degraded the most followed by the pyramid and then a distant third and the most durable christmas tree spike. The results of a one-way ANOVA test indicated no significance in the results, F(0.05) = 2.407, p = 3.15. As a result, it was concluded that there was no significant difference between the degradation of each track spike.