Title Computational fluid dynamics study of swimmer's hand velocity, orientation, and shape : contributions to hydrodynamics /
Authors Bilinauskaite, Milda ; Mantha, Vishveshwar Rajendra ; Rouboa, Abel Ilah ; Ziliukas, Pranas ; Silva, Antonio Jose
DOI 10.1155/2013/140487
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Is Part of BioMed Research International.. New York : Hindawi Publishing. 2013, vol. 2013, art. no. 140487, p. 1-14.. ISSN 2314-6133
Abstract [eng] 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.
Published New York : Hindawi Publishing
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2013
CC license CC license description