Energy conversion in pole vaulting using finite element analysis

The article examines pole vaulting as a demanding track and field discipline, where athletes use a flexible pole to clear a high bar. The study explores the research challenges associated with this discipline, including the impact of pole material, the physical capabilities of the vaulter, and the vaulting technique on performance. The paper presents a new Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in ANSYS, focusing on energy conversion in the pole-vaulter interaction. Simulation re-sults highlight the influence of pole stiffness and length for jump height, as well as the impact of synchronization between pole and pole positions on performance. Finally, the article highlights that pole vault performance is intrinsically linked to the pole vaulter's specific movement and ability to optimize interaction with the pole. This deeper understanding can help improve individ-ual performance in this demanding athletics discipline.