Highlights Numerical modeling shows both resistance coefficients - from sliding on ice and movement in air. The friction coefficient from numerical modeling compared to experimental values shows the speed for transition to smooth sliding. "Stick and slip" diminishes and sliding stabilizes at a speed of 6 m/s. After overcoming the stick effect, the friction coefficient of steel on ice starts at 0.0067 and then decreases to 0.0045 with repeated sliding (Tice = -5 °C; Tair =3 °C). A measurement system has been established to determine the influence of ice, weather, runner, sportsman on the speed to transition to smooth sliding. Abstract Reducing friction is an unending challenge in winter sports. Decisive improvements in sport equipment hinge on a precise prediction of resistance forces; the dynamic sliding friction-coefficient at low speed is still unclear and hampers progress. Two approaches disclosed changes in the coefficient-of-friction: two numerical models and an experimental model. We obtained accurate experimental data on the resistance coefficients from timing sensors on an ice track and a small accelerometer on the skeleton. A comparison of acceleration from the accelerometer with a numerical model showed a transition from static friction to kinetic friction, as "stick and slip" faded at 6 m/s. Speed and acceleration from this new approach will facilitate further investigations on sliding in bends on the ice track.
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