|
SLAPSHOT Every sport has its signature move, whether it be the grand slam or the slam dunk. In hockey, it's the slap shot. The slap shot is a move that has been perfected over the years. Now, players are so efficient at transferring energy into a slap shot that slap shots can reach speeds of up to 115 mph. Pretty impressive. |
|
|
Transfer of Energy
The player strikes the ice with the stick more than 12 inches behind the puck. Once the stick makes contact with the ice, the stick is loaded with elastic potential energy. This energy is created from the player shifting his weight and transferring the energy into the shaft of the stick. Once contact with the puck is made, the energy stored in the stick (like e a slingshot) is then transferred to the puck. This release of potential energy into kinetic energy can send the puck flying at speeds up to 115 mph; much faster than the speed that the player can swing the stick. |
|
Too Much Force
In this example of a stick break, there are two types of loading that contributed to the breaking of the stick. First was the initial loading when the stick hits the ice. The second loading is when the stick makes contact with the puck. When the stick contacts the puck, the stick reaches its maximum stress limit and snaps. Even though the puck is a mere 6 ounces, the additional loading by attempting to accelerate the puck was enough to break the stick. |
|