Science of synthetic turf surfaces: Player–surface interactions
During sports movements the cleats (also termed studs) penetrate and interlock with the playing surface generating traction forces. The ability to generate traction between a player's footwear and a sporting surface is a crucial factor influencing the player's performance as well as safety from lower limb injury. The traction produced for a given shoe–surface combination is dependent on a number of interacting factors operating at the interface, including the sport movement, the surface system composition, the footwear design and environmental conditions. Prediction and understanding of the mechanism providing traction has remained elusive. This paper presents experimental laboratory and field-based research conducted to assess the physical properties of third generation infilled synthetic turf surface components and the system's influence on the resulting measured rotational traction behaviour. Element testing of the crumb rubber infill was carried out to determine compressibility and shear strength. Sys...