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Analysis of drafting effects in swimming using computational fluid dynamics.

António José Silva, Abel Rouboa, António Moreira

Journal of Sports Science & Medicine

|October 24, 2013

Summary

Optimal drafting distances in swimming were identified. The drag coefficient for the trailing swimmer is lowest at 0.5m, equalizing with the leader around 6.45-8.90m, indicating similar hydrodynamic conditions.

Keywords:

Training drag finite element modeling human body tandem

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Area of Science:

Fluid dynamics
Sports science
Biomechanics

Background:

Understanding fluid forces is crucial for optimizing swimming performance.
Drafting in swimming can significantly alter hydrodynamic drag.
Previous research has explored drafting effects, but precise distance-dependent drag analysis is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of inter-swimmer distance on drag coefficient (Cd) in a drafting scenario.
To determine optimal drafting distances for swimmers to experience similar hydrodynamic conditions.

Main Methods:

Numerical simulations using a k-epsilon turbulent model in Fluent® software.
Simulations covered distances from 0.5m to 8.0m and velocities from 1.6m/s to 2.0m/s.
Calculated drag coefficient (Cd) for both leading and trailing swimmers.

Main Results:

Leading swimmer's drag coefficient decreased with increased velocity.
Trailing swimmer's relative drag coefficient was lowest (56%) at 0.5m distance.
Trailing swimmer's drag approached the leading swimmer's drag, reaching 84% at 6.0m and parity between 6.45m and 8.90m.

Conclusions:

Drafting significantly reduces drag for the trailing swimmer, especially at close distances.
Distances between 6.45m and 8.90m offer the most similar hydrodynamic conditions for both swimmers.
Numerical simulations are effective for analyzing fluid forces in swimming dynamics.