Validation of Surface Impact Response Instrument in Football Field Using Impact Analysis

Player performance and player injury when using a football field were influenced by the field surface. The force impact of the football surface needed to be understood and optimized to improve player safety and to achieve optimal surface conditions. The current football field surface condition lacked proper evaluation reducing the optimal playing surface condition. To ensure better surface development, a structured impact analysis was essential. This study aimed to validate impact absorption between natural and artificial turf using developed instruments. The impact testing was conducted using standardized drop tests using ASTM F1936. The height and diameter of the surface feet were fixed to 450 mm and 50 mm. Football field surface impact absorption rates were measured between natural and artificial turf to obtain the g-max of the surface. The G-max represented shock absorption properties, which were gravitational force equivalents. The g-max value was derived from the maximum acceleration experienced during an impact. The result on this research shows implementation of MPU6050 as a measuring sensor. The result shows that the MPU6050 was insufficient for the developed prototype. There are future suggestions and recommendations for improvement in this research study.