Aerodynamics Analysis of Speed Skating Helmets: Investigation by CFD Simulations

Puelles Magán, G.; Terra, W.; Sciacchitano, A.

doi:10.3390/app11073148

Aerodynamics Analysis of Speed Skating Helmets: Investigation by CFD Simulations

Title

Aerodynamics Analysis of Speed Skating Helmets: Investigation by CFD Simulations

Author

Puelles Magán, G. (Linköping University)
Terra, W. (TU Delft Aerodynamics)
Sciacchitano, A. (TU Delft Aerodynamics)

Date

2021

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the flow field around speed skating helmets and their associated aerodynamic drag by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. An existing helmet frequently used in competition was taken as a baseline. Six additional helmet designs, as well as the bare-head configuration, were analysed. All the numerical simulations were performed via 3D RANS simulations using the SST k-w turbulence model. The results show that the use of a helmet always reduces the aerodynamic drag with respect to the bare head configuration. Besides, an optimised helmet design enables a reduction of the skaters aerodynamic drag by 5.9%, with respect to the bare-head configuration, and by 1.6% with respect to the use of the baseline Omega helmet.

Subject

Helmet aerodynamics
Speed skating
Sports aerodynamics
Sports fluid mechanics

To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:da3278e4-9fe7-43f7-a713-530ba7d5bf17

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073148

ISSN

2076-3417

Source

Applied Sciences, 11 (7)

Part of collection

Institutional Repository