Snowboard Simulation with Distinct Element Method and Finite Element Method

An efficient snowboard development process that does not rely on experimental trial and error requires quantitative evaluations of the prototype performance in conjunction with simulations. Our developed simulation reproduces the discrete behavior of snow and deformation of a snowboard, allowing the evaluation of snowboard performance on a snow surface. Snow behavior is calculated by the distinct element method, and the elastic deformation of a snowboard is calculated by finite element analysis. In this study, we changed the shapes and elastic moduli of the snowboard models and evaluated their turning motions. The simulation results show that a decrease in stiffness increases the deflection of the snowboard sliding on a slope. The turn subsequently becomes large owing to the increase in the deflection of the board.