The physics of how Olympic weightlifters exploit barbell's "whip"

Precisely which features make for the best barbell is still a puzzle. Olympic barbells have the same weight, diameter, and length, but other aspects can differ from brand to brand, such as the materials used. Most are made of some sort of steel, with stainless and chrome coated being the most common, and the respective mechanical properties can make a small difference to a given bar’s whip, according to Langlois. Specifically, the stiffness of the bar (the Young’s modulus) can vary quite a bit. …