Numerical Simulation of Two-Phase Flow Around Flatwater Competition Kayak Design-Evolution Models

The aim of the current study was to analyze the hydrodynamics of three kayaks: 97-kg-class, single-rower, flatwater sports competition, full-scale design evolution models (Nelo K1 Vanquish LI, LII, and LIII) of M.A.R. Kayaks Lda., Portugal, which are among the fastest frontline kayaks. The effect of kayak design transformation on kayak hydrodynamics performance was studied by the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The steady-state CFD simulations where performed by application of the k-omega turbulent model and the volume-of-fluid method to obtain two-phase flow around the kayaks. The numerical result of viscous, pressure drag, and coefficients along with wave drag at individual average race velocities was obtained. At an average velocity of 4.5 m/s, the reduction in drag was 29.4% for the design change from LI to LII and 15.4% for the change from LII to LIII, thus demonstrating and reaffirming a progressive evolution in design. In addition, the knowledge of drag hydrodynamics presented in the current study facilitates the estimation of the paddling effort required from the athlete during progression at different race velocities. This study finds an application during selection and training, where a coach can select the kayak with better hydrodynamics.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Orientation Effects of Oar Blade

The distribution of pressure coefficient formed when the fluid contacts with the kayak oar blade is not been studied extensively. The CFD technique was employed to calculate pressure coefficient distribution on the front and rear faces of oar blade resulting from the numerical resolution equations of the flow around the oar blade in the steady flow conditions (4 m/s) for three angular orientations of the oar (45°, 90°, 135°) with main flow. A three-dimensional (3D) geometric model of oar blade was modeled and the k-ε turbulent model was applied to compute the flow around the oar. The main results reported that, under steady state flow conditions, the drag coefficient (Cd = 2.01 for 4 m/s) at 90° orientation has the similar evolution for the different oar blade orientation to the direction of the flow. This is valid when the orientation of the blade is perpendicular to the direction of the flow. Results indicated that the angle of oar strongly influenced the Cd with maximum values for 90° angle of the oar. Moreover, the distribution of the pressure is different for the internal and external edges depending upon oar angle. Finally, the difference of negative pressure coefficient Cp in the rear side and the positive Cp in the front side, contributes toward propulsive force. The results indicate that CFD can be considered an interesting new approach for pressure coefficient calculation on kayak oar blade. The CFD approach could be a useful tool to evaluate the effects of different blade designs on the oar forces and consequently on the boat propulsion contributing toward the design improvement in future oar models. The dependence of variation of pressure coefficient on the angular position of oar with respect to flow direction gives valuable dynamic information, which can be used during training for kayak competition.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Analysis of wind velocity and release angle effects on discus throw using computational fluid dynamics

The aim of this paper is to study the aerodynamics of discus throw. A comparison of numerical and experimental performance of discus throw with and without rotation was carried out using the analysis of lift and drag coefficients. Initial velocity corresponding to variation angle of around 35.5° was simulated. Boundary condition, on the top and bottom boundary edges of computational domain, was imposed in order to eliminate external influences on the discus; a wind resistance was calculated for the velocity values of 25 and 27 m/s. The results indicate that the flight distance (D) was strongly affected by the drag coefficient, the initial velocity, the release angle and the direction of wind velocity. It was observed that these variables change as a function of discus rotation. In this study, results indicate a good agreement of D between experimental values and numerical results.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Modelling Propelling Force in Swimming Using Numerical Simulations

In the sports field, numerical simulation techniques have been shown to provide useful information about performance and to play an important role as a complementary tool to physical experiments. Indeed, this methodology has produced significant improvements in equipment design and technique prescription in different sports (Kellar et al., 1999; Pallis et al., 2000; Dabnichki & Avital, 2006). In swimming, this methodology has been applied in order to better understand swimming performance. Thus, the numerical techniques have been addressed to study the propulsive forces generated by the propelling segments (Rouboa et al., 2006; Marinho et al., 2009a) and the hydrodynamic drag forces resisting forward motion (Silva et al., 2008; Marinho et al., 2009b). Although the swimmer’s performance is dependent on both drag and propulsive forces, within this chapter the focus is only on the analysis of the propulsive forces. Hence, this chapter covers topics in swimming propelling force analysis from a numerical simulation technique perspective. This perspective means emphasis on the fluid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics methodology applied in swimming investigations. One of the main aims for performance (velocity) enhancement of swimming is to maximize propelling forces whilst not increasing drag forces resisting forward motion, for a given trust. This chapter will concentrate on numerical simulation results, considering the scientific simulation point-of-view, for this practical application in swimming

THE EFFECT OF WEARING A CAP ON THE SWIMMER PASSIVE DRAG

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of wearing a cap on swimmer passive drag. A computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried-out to determine the hydrodynamic drag of a female swimmer’s model: (i) wearing a swimming cap and; (ii) with no cap. The three-dimensional surface geometry of a female swimmer’s model with cap and with no cap was acquired through standard commercial laser scanner. Passive drag force and drag coefficient were computed with the swimmer in a streamlined position. Higher hydrodynamic drag values were determined when the swimmer was with no cap in comparison with the situation when the swimmer was wearing a cap. In conclusion, one can state that wearing a swim cap may positively influence swimmer’s hydrodynamics

The Effect of Depth on Drag During the Streamlined Glide: A Three-Dimensional CFD Analysis

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of depth on drag during the streamlined glide in swimming using Computational Fluid Dynamics. The Computation Fluid Dynamic analysis consisted of using a three-dimensional mesh of cells that simulates the flow around the considered domain. We used the K-epsilon turbulent model implemented in the commercial code Fluent(®) and applied it to the flow around a three-dimensional model of an Olympic swimmer. The swimmer was modeled as if he were gliding underwater in a streamlined prone position, with hands overlapping, head between the extended arms, feet together and plantar flexed. Steady-state computational fluid dynamics analyses were performed using the Fluent(®) code and the drag coefficient and the drag force was calculated for velocities ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 m/s, in increments of 0.50m/s, which represents the velocity range used by club to elite level swimmers during the push-off and glide following a turn. The swimmer model middle line was placed at different water depths between 0 and 1.0 m underwater, in 0.25m increments. Hydrodynamic drag decreased with depth, although after 0.75m values remained almost constant. Water depth seems to have a positive effect on reducing hydrodynamic drag during the gliding. Although increasing depth position could contribute to decrease hydrodynamic drag, this reduction seems to be lower with depth, especially after 0.75 m depth, thus suggesting that possibly performing the underwater gliding more than 0.75 m depth could not be to the benefit of the swimmer.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio