Kinetic to Potential Energy Transformation Using an Elastica

The kinetic energy of a mass traveling in the horizontal direction can be fully transformed into potential energy using an elastica as a temporary storage element. This problem, which resembles the sport of pole-vaulting, is investigated using a non-dimensional framework and by solving the ensuing two-point boundary problem. Dimensional studies are conducted with the objective of better understanding the role of the mass of the vaulter, modeled here as the mass attached to the elastica, and torque applied by the vaulter, modeled here as external torque on the elastica, on vaulting performance. Simulation results indicate better vaulting performance, as indicated by higher non-dimensional potential energy, for lower mass and higher torque.