Fundamental Study on Large Deformations of Poles and Pole-Vaulting Characteristics

The record in pole-vaulting has been improved by using flexible fiberglass poles. In analysis of the dynamics of pole-vaulting, it is necessary to consider the high flexibility of poles. This paper deals with the large deformations of poles subjected to concentrated loads at two supporting points. A simple combination model is introduced which consists of a mass (vaulter) and a pole. Analytical solutions in terms of elliptic integrals are derived for vertical and horizontal displacements. Furthermore, time progress of pole deformation is investigated. From the results, it is clarified that the initial conditions(e.g., vertical and horizontal velocities of the vaulter) and the applied bending moment play important roles.