Seek and Geek 11: Hockey

Since it’s hockey playoff season, I thought I’d look into the physics behind hockey sticks while I
watch the Bruins play.

To begin, I’m assuming the following dimensions because they were somewhat consistent
across a variety of sites. I’m assuming a composite stick because they typically have a hollow
configuration and I could easily find an estimation of its elastic modulus (~40 GPa – “Spring
Constants for Hockey Sticks” Russell and Hunt). The player holds the stick in two places with
the set-up shown in the following figure.

Figure 1 Shaft Dimensions

hockeystickbuilds.com

In this case, I’m assuming L1 = L2 = L/2. The max deflection is

𝐹𝐿3
𝛿=
12𝐸𝐼
where
1
𝐼= (𝑏ℎ3 − (𝑏 − 2𝑡)(ℎ − 2𝑡)3 )
12
Based on these values, the calculated stiffness is 1110 N/m. However, according to Russell and
Hunt, the stiffness of a composite stick should be ~7000 N/m. These deviations are probably
attributed to the geometry of the shaft. At the top of the table, they mention the shaft is 1 x 2’’
- plugging those numbers into - I get a stiffness ~7000 N/m.

Next, to calculate the deflection of the stick. The elastic energy of the stick converts to kinetic
energy of the puck. Now, pucks can travel upwards up 100 mph (45 m/s) (108.8 mph record
held by Chara).

1 1 𝑚𝑣 2
𝑚𝑣 2 = 𝑘𝑥 2 == > 𝑥 = √ = 213 𝑚𝑚
2 2 𝑘

Lettiere Seek and Geek #11

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 Now, this seems rather large, but the deflections are on the
same order as the “static deflection” from Russell and Hunt’s
work. The following figure shows the large amount of
deflections typically seen in action. Next, let’s look at the
force associated with hitting the puck.
𝑚𝑣
𝑚𝑣 = 𝐹Δ𝑡 => =𝐹
Δ𝑡
According to the Tennis Warehouse University (TWU), the
release time for a hockey stick ~30 ms, resulting in a force of
220 N. This value is higher than what’s reported by Russell
and Hunt. Russell and Hunt report hearing cracking at forces above 100 N. Now, there could be
two different things at play. In order to hit the puck hard enough to go 100 mph, the stick
cracks. Or the release time posted by TWU is incorrect.
Finally, let’s say Ryan Kesler is upset that the Ducks were swept by the Sharks and are out of the
playoffs this year, so he breaks his stick on his knee - how much force is applied? I’m modeling
this as three point bending where the stick is held in both of Kesler’s hands and the force is
applied by his knee in the middle.
For three point bending:
𝑀𝑦 2𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝐼
𝜎𝑥 = − →𝐹=
𝐼 𝐿𝑦
According to Michael O’Brien’s “Finite Element Analysis of Wood and Composite Structured
Hockey Sticks,” the max tensile stress of a composite stick is 3500 MPa. Using this value and
solving for force, I get a value of ~4000 N. Now, a quick google search tells me 4000 N is about
what it takes to break a femur for the average person. Ouch. However, Kesler is wearing
padding and he’s also not an average person. The composite probably fails way before the max
tensile stress in this case. In addition, an article in CompositesWorld- “Advanced Hockey Stick
Design Delivers Optimal Performance,” states that a hockey stick needs to be able to undergo
1-1.2 kN of dynamic force over 1,000 cycles (at least). That being said something in the kN
range doesn’t seem too drastic, but the max tensile stress estimation is probably too high.

Lettiere Seek and Geek #11

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