The skin injury device: a tribological analysis of rugby turf to enhance player welfare

MacFarlane, Maxwell 2024. The skin injury device: a tribological analysis of rugby turf to enhance player welfare. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Artificial turf offers a consistent and durable playing surface, minimising maintenance requirements and enhancing accessibility to sports in diverse environments. However, players' perception of increased injury risk of these surfaces significantly limits widespread acceptance. Sporting governing bodies have turf quality programmes that assess performance characteristics over a product's lifespan, but despite this, there is a continued prevalence of skin injuries. To ensure the integrity of sport and the safety of players is maintained, there is an urgent and crucial need for a new comprehensive test method. Traditional test methods often fail to replicate realistic player-surface interactions. The Skin Injury Device (SID) has emerged as a pioneering solution to fill this void. SID's development, a testament to World Rugby’s commitment to player safety, is rooted in a deep understanding of biomechanics and player experiences. Acknowledging that the tackle poses the highest risk, the device was meticulously designed to simulate knee-turf contact, replicating an authentic impact and subsequent protracted slide. SID is an electro-mechanical apparatus designed to simulate realistic player-surface interactions during gameplay. The impactor, 3D printed using anthropometric knee data, is encased in Lorica Soft, a synthetic leather renowned for mirroring frictional responses akin to natural skin. The device uses similar technology found in roller coasters to generate a horizontal velocity of 5 m/s. Meanwhile, the 36 kg impactor free falls to generate a vertical velocity of 3 m/s. The aetiology of 'turf burns' is not yet fully understood; therefore, evaluating the abrasive nature of turf and heat profiles provides insights into the potential injury mechanisms. The Maxwell Tribo Index (MTI) is a multi-faceted classification system that combines these results with kinematic data to enhance understanding of impact mechanics and sliding characteristics. This diagnostic tool facilitates in-depth analysis of artificial turf, enabling manufacturers to optimise their products, ultimately improving player safety.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Engineering
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1). Skin Injuries 2). Artificial Turf 3). Test Method 4). Biomechanical Analysis 5). Player-surface Interaction 6). Player Welfare
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	27 August 2024
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2024 08:17
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/171396

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