A MATHEMATICAL SIMULATION TO STUDY PIKE TURN CHARACTERISTICS IN FRONT CRAWL SWIM

Abstract

Swim turns represent an integral factor in determining the final outcome of a swimmer race. The aim of present study was to provide a comprehensive mathematical modelling for achieving kinematic parameters in freestyle flip (pike) turn. In proposed model all attempts have been applied to find out what swimmers should do in order that the turns are accomplished in shorter time. The mathematical model has been adopted to pike turn but can also be adopted to tuck turn with minor change in calculations. Theoretical considerations suggest that faster upper limbs rotation could lead to a torso pressure gradient, which would induce significant axial flow along the upper limbs toward the torso. Our results demonstrate the reality of the predicted rotational of body during front crawl swim pike turn. We hypothesize that in pike turn the body can be considered and simulated as two thin hinged prisms.