Silicone tape does mask HotSpot: study

[cricfan123]

Curtin University in Perth has conducted research into the thermal imaging process, concluding that silicone tape does have the capability of disguising edges on HotSpot. Players have been taping their bats for as long as the game's been played and there's no evidence to suggest the practice has become a cheating method for interfering with cricket's decision review system. However, Dr Masood Khan of Curtin University's School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering says the plastic-based tape can alter how small nicks show up on the infra-red imaging process. HotSpot inventor Warren Brennan has reportedly raised concerns with the ICC that tape may be interfering with his technology. However, suggestions players were cheating using tape were rubbished by Ashes captains Michael Clarke and Alastair Cook. The ICC has also denied there's any investigation going on. Dr Khan, a mechanical engineering lecturer, said silicone tape could be an explanation for HotSpot missing a number of edges so far this Ashes series. "The chemical composition of silicone tape makes it work as an inhibitor for most radiation," Dr Khan said. "Its physical characteristics also make it insensitive to minor physical impacts. "Its chemical and physical features ensure an even conduction and dispersion of heat within its structure, meaning thermal changes caused by the impact of a ball as it hits the edge of a bat may remain unnoticed by a thermal infrared camera such as HotSpot." Dr Khan said a bat with edges covered by silicone tape (or gel) is more likely to produce temperature changes less obvious when struck on the edge by a ball.

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8702652