Localized changes in the density of water induced by the presence of an acoustic field cause perturbations in the localized refractive index. This relationship has given rise to a number of nonperturbing optical metrology techniques for recording measurement parameters from underwater acoustic fields. A method that has been recently developed involves the use of a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) targeted at a fixed, nonvibrating, plate through an underwater acoustic field. Measurements of the rate of change of optical pathlength along a line section enable the identification of the temporal and frequency characteristics of the acoustic wave front. This approach has been extended through the use of a scanning LDV, which facilitates the measurement of a range of spatially distributed parameters. A mathematical model is presented that relates the distribution of pressure amplitude and phase in a planar wave front with the rate of change of optical pathlength measured by the LDV along a specifically orientated laser line section. Measurements of a 1 MHz acoustic tone burst generated by a focused transducer are described and the results presented. Graphical depictions of the acoustic power and phase distribution recorded by the LDV are shown, together with images representing time history during the acoustic wave propagation.

Injuries in association football (soccer) are debilitating for players and can also be detrimental to the success of a team or club. The type or condition of a playing surface has been empirically linked to injuries, yet results are inconclusive. The overall purpose of this study was to analyse elite football players’ perceived links between playing surfaces and injury from a worldwide cohort of players. The results of this study can help to inform areas for future playing surface research aimed at trying to alleviate user concerns and meet user (i.e. the player) needs. Quantitative data were collected from 1129 players across the globe to address the aim of this study. Ninety-one percent of players believed the type or condition of a surface could increase injury risk. Abrasive injuries, along with soreness and pain, were perceived to be greater on artificial turf. Surface type, surface properties and age were all potential risk factors identified by the players and linked to the playing surfaces. The results identified three areas where future research should be focussed to help develop surfaces that alleviate user concerns and meet user (i.e. player) needs: (i) current reporting of soreness, pain or fatigue as injuries, (ii) contribution of surface properties to injury; and (iii) surface experience of players from different countries differentiates their views of injury risk.

Numerous variables can introduce errors into the measurement chain of a digital image correlation (DIC) system. These can be grouped into two categories: measurement quality and the correlation principle. Although previous studies have attempted to investigate each error source in isolation, there are still no comprehensive, standardized procedures for calibrating DIC systems for full-field strain measurement. The aim of this study, therefore, was to develop an applied experimental method that would enable a DIC practitioner to perform a traceable full-field measurement calibration to evaluate the accuracy of a particular system setup in a real-world environment related to their specific application. A sequence of Speckle Pattern Boards (SPB) that included artificial deformations of the speckle pattern were created, allowing for the calibration of in-plane deformations. Multiple deformation stages (from 10% to 50%) were created and measured using the GOM ARAMIS system; the results were analysed and statistical techniques were used to determine the accuracy. The measured strain was found to be slightly over-estimated (nominally by 0.02%), with a typical measurement error range of 0.34% strain at a 95% confidence interval. Location within the measurement volume did not have a significant effect on error distributions. It was concluded that the methods developed could be used to calibrate a DIC system in-situ for full-field measurements of large deformations. The approach could also be used to benchmark different DIC systems against each other or allow operators to better understand the influence of particular measurement variables on the measurement accuracy.

The ability of a batsman to clear the boundary is a major contributor to success in modern cricket. The aim of this study was to identify technique parameters characterising those batsmen able to generate greater bat speeds, ball launch speeds, and carry distances during a range hitting task in cricket. Kinematic data were collected for 20 batsmen ranging from international to club standard, and a series of ball launch, bat-ball impact, and technique parameters were calculated for each trial. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis found impact location on the bat face in the medio-lateral and longitudinal directions and bat speed at impact to explain 68% of the observed variation in instantaneous post-impact ball speed. A further regression analysis found the X-factor (separation between the pelvis and thorax segments in the transverse plane) at the commencement of the downswing, lead elbow extension, and wrist uncocking during the downswing to explain 78% of the observed variation in maximum bat speed during the downswing. These findings indicate that players and coaches should focus on generating central impacts with the highest possible bat speed. Training and conditioning programmes should be developed to improve the important kinematic parameters shown to generate greater bat speeds, particularly focussing on increased pelvis to upper thorax separation in the transverse plane.

Football (soccer) is a truly global game but for many of the 208 FŽdŽration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Member Associations their climate is not suitable for growing good quality natural grass pitches with a low maintenance cost. As a consequence, for the 2004/2005 season, the laws of the game were modified to sanction the use of both natural and artificial surfaces. To date only one published study [1] has explored players’ feelings towards the different surfaces used in football. The aim of this work was to identify relationships that players’ perceive between the characteristics of a football pitch and the way in which the game of football is played. This paper reports the first in-depth elite player study utilising qualitative interview techniques to ascertain a wide range of user perceptions regarding playing surfaces for training and match play. 103 elite footballers consisting of 56 International players representing 4 continents playing at the highest level of football in France, Belgium and Holland were interviewed during the second half of the 2010/2011 season. The players participated in a 30 minute subject-led session occurring in English, French or Dutch utilizing a semi-structured approach in either focus group or individual interview format. A clustering approach was utilised to analyse the qualitative data collected, revealing compelling user insights into surfaces particularly in relation to ball characteristics, injury, player movement and style of play. For the purposes of this paper, a general overview is presented along with an in-depth analysis of ball interactions with the pitch. The output of this research will help guide future research and development in the football surface industry.