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

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...

The Ring of Fire for in-Field Sport Aerodynamic Investigation

A novel measurement system, the Ring of Fire, is deployed which enables the aerodynamic drag estimation of transiting cyclists. The system relies upon the use of large-scale stereoscopic PIV and the conservation of momentum within a control volume in a frame of reference moving with the athlete. The rider cycles at a velocity of approximately 8...

Near Wake Analysis of a Two-Man Bobsleigh Scaled Model

The flow field in the near wake of a 1:5.5 bobsleigh model was investigated by means of stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The time-averaged flow field revealed two counter-rotating vortices and a strong downwash between them. From the velocity field, the aerodynamic drag was retrieved invoking the conservation of momentum. This approach...