A Novel Approach for Skin Suit Aerodynamic Optimization Using Local Momentum Deficit

A Novel Approach for Skin Suit Aerodynamic Optimization Using Local Momentum Deficit

Terra, W. (TU Delft Aerodynamics)
Sciacchitano, A. (TU Delft Aerodynamics)
Scarano, F. (TU Delft Aerodynamics, Wind Energy & Propulsion; TU Delft Aerodynamics)

Espinosa, Hugo G. (editor)
Rowlands, David R. (editor)
Shepherd, Jonathan (editor)
Thiel, David V. (editor)

Aerodynamics, Wind Energy & Propulsion

2018

A new approach is introduced to evaluate the potential drag reduction by skin suit design in speed sport. The approach relies upon local flow information measured in the wake of a cyclist mannequin. Lagrangian Particle Tracking is employed to measure the distribution of time-average streamwise velocity in a cross-plane of 30 × 100 cm2 behind the stretched leg of the rider at a range of Reynolds numbers (0.4 × 105 < Re < 2.4 × 105). The expected Reynolds number effect is observed: a general wake narrowing at increasing speed. Unexpected local effects are also identified, which may be due to local variations in geometry of the rider’s leg. The conservation of momentum within a control volume containing the leg is used showing that the aerodynamic drag of the rider’s leg can be decreased by application of surface roughness. This outcome is validated by repeated measurements using zigzag tape on the legs’ surface.

speed sports
cycling aerodynamics
aerodynamic drag optimization
skin suit
drag crisis
Lagrangian Particle Tracking

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:5ec42e76-a051-4e36-96c8-912005750ca0

https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2060222

MDPI

Proceedings of the 12th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA 2018): Engineering of Sport

ISEA 2018: 12th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association 'Engineering of Sport', 2018-03-26 → 2018-03-28, Brisbane, Australia

Proceedings, 2504-3900, 2 (6)

Institutional Repository

conference paper

© 2018 W. Terra, A. Sciacchitano, F. Scarano