IN SPORT, your edge is everything. Armed with the right material, the human body can do amazing things. With the eyes of the world fixed firmly on The World Cup, science is being used to add magic to the beautiful game. Stadia, pitches, football boots, jerseys and the football itself, have, since the World Cup tournament began in 1930 been drastically improved, all because of science.
As we marvel at the steady strides of the athletes in the Olympics, the perfect swing of the golfers in the Irish Open, the pace of the Tour de France and indeed the solos of GAA Championship season, it is worth bearing in mind the science that makes it all happen.
Simple physics make swings and strikes better, prevents injuries and improves running styles. Maths and statistics helps coaches and analysts to develop game plans and identify weaknesses and strengths in their opponents’ games. Materials science ensures that jerseys are more breathable, that boots and socks are comfortable and friction proof, that the impact of the pitch doesn’t cause injury and that the ball – whatever the sport – is lightweight, yet sturdy. When something goes wrong, tissue engineering reduces the need for surgery such as knee or hip replacements. So while accidents may be part of an athlete’s life, they won’t stop it.
The year 1855 saw science revolutionise football when Charles Goodyear designed and built the first vulcanised rubber footballs. Seven years later, H.J. Lindon developed one of the first inflatable rubber bladders for balls. This meant the ball, covered in hand stitched leather could remain hard, oval and ultimately, more kickable than its predecessor which had pigs’ bladder inserts.
Disagreement
Fewer than 100 years later, in the first World Cup final between Argentina and Uruguay in 1930, a leather, hand stitched football was used with grids that were woven together. Indeed the importance of the construction of the ball may have played a role in the outcome of the game with both sides disagreeing over which ball to use. Argentina used their chosen ball in the first half, with Uruguay switching to their ball in the second. Ultimately Uruguay went on to win 4-2, demonstrating that while some may think them immaterial, materials matter!
In the intervening decades, materials science developments have led to what is considered the perfect football. This is the first World Cup where there has been outright agreement on the football. This year, the Adidas Brazuca has six panels and a rougher surface than previous versions. The deep and long seams will create one of the most advanced footballs yet used in a World Cup. NASA scientists have even tested the Brazuca in a wind chamber to determine its aerodynamic design.
While we may not think it at the moment, there is more to sport than football! Materials science has a key role to play in golf, with the distinction between graphite and titanium clubs, a sticking point for many golfers. Scientific research and the development of new materials have enabled golf balls to go farther than ever before. Scientists are currently researching ways to prolong the life of balls after they are exposed to moisture.
When the Giro d’Italia came to Ireland, it was a great sporting spectacle and one could clearly see that cycling has undergone immense changes since its early days. As science has opened our understanding of aerodynamics, it has driven changes in bicycle composition and design, the clothing worn by the cyclist, and even the positioning of the rider on the bicycle.
Sports stadia
The design of sports stadia is also dependent on science. For example, at AMBER the materials science institute based at Trinity College Dublin, where I carry out research, our industry partner Mergon constructed the seats of the Maracana. They looked at manipulating and tweaking the properties of the plastics to ensure they were water, heat and UV proof.
It’s not just the equipment that science influences. Injury prevention, swimming, cycling and running styles and optimum fitness are dependent on science. Everything from specified nutrition plans, to physiotherapy, stride and stroke technique depend on an in-depth understanding of kinesiology and biomechanics.
When science and sport work together, a sea of possibilities opens before us. Science is helping athletes break new records and careful design of materials enhances performance and protection. The future of science in sport provides us with limitless possibilities and that is what makes the whole area of performance sport so exciting and intriguing.
Prof Stefano Sanvito is Principal Investigator and Acting Director at AMBER, the Science Foundation Ireland funded materials science centre based at Trinity College Dublin. He is also professor of Condensed Matter Theory in the School of Physics, Trinity.
AMBER has organised a fun evening of Science and Sport on July 8th at Trinity. This free event will involve a panel discussion with former Olympian Catherina McKiernan, sports analyst and writer Andy McGeady, Professors Shane Bergin and Conor Buckley, TCD. See more at info here.