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Aerodynamic drag analysis of runners
Medicine and Science in Sports
|January 1, 1976
Summary
This study developed a model to calculate aerodynamic drag for runners. The findings show that overcoming air resistance requires significant power, ranging from 0.33 to 0.49 horsepower for different runner sizes at sprint speeds.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Aerodynamics
- Sports Science
Background:
- Understanding aerodynamic drag is crucial for optimizing running performance.
- Previous models may not accurately represent the complex geometry of the human body during running.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a computational model for determining aerodynamic drag forces on runners.
- To quantify the power dissipated by air resistance for runners of varying body types.
Main Methods:
- A computational model simulating runners using conjugated circular cylinders and a sphere was developed.
- The model was applied to three representative adult male body types (2.5th, 50th, and 97.5th percentiles).
- An alternative simplified model using a single cylinder was also proposed and validated.
Main Results:
- Aerodynamic drag power dissipation ranged from 0.33 to 0.49 horsepower for the studied runners at world-record sprint speeds.
- The simplified single-cylinder model demonstrated good accuracy, with errors ranging from 5% to 8.9% compared to the complex model.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a valuable tool for estimating aerodynamic drag in runners.
- The findings highlight the significant energetic cost of air resistance in sprinting.
- The simplified model offers a practical alternative for quick drag estimations.