129 research outputs found
A Simple Model for Predicting Sprint Race Times Accounting for Energy Loss on the Curve
The mathematical model of J. Keller for predicting World Record race times,
based on a simple differential equation of motion, predicted quite well the
records of the day. One of its shortcoming is that it neglects to account for a
sprinter's energy loss around a curve, a most important consideration
particularly in the 200m--400m. An extension to Keller's work is considered,
modeling the aforementioned energy loss as a simple function of the centrifugal
force acting on the runner around the curve. Theoretical World Record
performances for indoor and outdoor 200m are discussed, and the use of the
model at 300m is investigated. Some predictions are made for possible 200m
outdoor and indoor times as run by Canadian 100m WR holder Donovan Bailey,
based on his 100m final performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.Comment: 20pp, latex; submitted to the "Canadian Journal of Physics
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