Sports Equipment and Materials Science

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

A course exploring the materials used in modern sports equipment. The materials science and engineering behind the metals, polymers, composites, and foams used in items such as golf clubs and golf balls, running shoes, bicycle frames, are discussed, including why particular materials are selected. The materials processing and manufacturing methods used to make these items will also be covered. Specific examples of sports equipment development where materials have revolutionized performance will be studied in detail. Basic concepts of materials mechanical properties including strength and fracture will be described. The overall goal of this course is to teach some of the principles in materials science and engineering in the context of modern sports equipment. The course introduces some fundamental materials strength and materials processing principles, but is designed for the non-scientist, non-engineer. The goal is to understand materials, their properties, how engineers select them for particular properties and attributes, specifically for use in sports applications, and how equipment used in sports are manufactured.