Related Experiment Videos
The effect of swimmer's hand/forearm acceleration on propulsive forces generation using computational fluid dynamics
Abel Rouboa1, António Silva, Luís Leal
1Engineering Department of University of UTAD/CETAV, Vila Real, Portugal. rouboa@utad.pt
Journal of Biomechanics
|June 14, 2005
Summary
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) enhances swimming research by accurately calculating hydrodynamic forces. Hand/forearm acceleration significantly boosts propulsive forces, indicating crucial unsteady mechanisms in swimming.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Biomechanics
- Sports science
Background:
- Experimental methods for quantifying swimmer propulsion face accuracy limitations.
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a potential solution to overcome experimental challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce CFD as a novel tool in swimming research.
- To calculate drag and lift coefficients for a swimmer's hand/forearm under steady flow conditions.
- To evaluate the impact of hand/forearm acceleration on these coefficients.
Main Methods:
- Developed three 2D models of a male hand/forearm.
- Applied the incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the standard k-epsilon model.
- Simulated flow conditions including steady-state and acceleration phases.
Main Results:
- Under steady flow, drag coefficient was the primary contributor to propulsion, remaining constant (Cd ≈ 1.16) when perpendicular to flow.
- Hand/forearm acceleration increased propulsive forces by approximately 22.5% compared to steady flow conditions.
Conclusions:
- CFD is a valuable approach for calculating hydrodynamic forces in swimming.
- Hand/forearm acceleration enhances propulsion, highlighting the importance of unsteady flow mechanisms in swimming.