Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Flapping Soft Fin Deformation Modeling using Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: April 28, 2022
Computational fluid dynamics study of swimmer's hand velocity, orientation, and shape: contributions to hydrodynamics
Milda Bilinauskaite1, Vishveshwar Rajendra Mantha, Abel Ilah Rouboa
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kaunas University of Technology, LT-44029 Kaunas, Lithuania.
Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to determine the hydrodynamic characteristics of swimmer's scanned hand models for various combinations of both the angle of attack and the sweepback angle and shape and velocity of swimmer's hand, simulating separate underwater arm stroke phases of freestyle (front crawl) swimming. Four realistic 3D models of swimmer's hand corresponding to different combinations of separated/closed fingers positions were used to simulate different underwater front crawl phases. The fluid flow was simulated using FLUENT (ANSYS, PA, USA). Drag force and drag coefficient were calculated using (computational fluid dynamics) CFD in steady state. Results showed that the drag force and coefficient varied at the different flow velocities on all shapes of the hand and variation was observed for different hand positions corresponding to different stroke phases. The models of the hand with thumb adducted and abducted generated the highest drag forces and drag coefficients. The current study suggests that the realistic variation of both the orientation angles influenced higher values of drag, lift, and resultant coefficients and forces. To augment resultant force, which affects swimmer's propulsion, the swimmer should concentrate in effectively optimising achievable hand areas during crucial propulsive phases.
Related Concept Videos
Typical Model Studies
Laminar and Turbulent Flow
General External Flow Characteristics
Hydrostatic Pressure Force on a Curved Surface
Accelerating Fluids
The motion of the liquid within this infinitesimal cylinder is considered to obtain the pressure difference. Three vertical forces act on this liquid:
Couette Flow

