THE EFFECT OF WEARING A CAP ON THE SWIMMER PASSIVE DRAG

Authors

  • Daniel A. Marinho
  • Vishveshwar R. Mantha
  • Abel I. Rouboa
  • João P. VilasBoas
  • Leandro Machado
  • Tiago M. Barbosa
  • António J. Silva

Keywords:

CFD, swimming, model, sports equipment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of wearing a cap on swimmer passive drag. A computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried-out to determine the hydrodynamic drag of a female swimmer’s model: (i) wearing a swimming cap and; (ii) with no cap. The three-dimensional surface geometry of a female swimmer’s model with cap and with no cap was acquired through standard commercial laser scanner. Passive drag force and drag coefficient were computed with the swimmer in a streamlined position. Higher hydrodynamic drag values were determined when the swimmer was with no cap in comparison with the situation when the swimmer was wearing a cap. In conclusion, one can state that wearing a swim cap may positively influence swimmer’s hydrodynamics.

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Section

Coaching and Sports Activities