Experimental Model of the Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient in Alpine Skiing

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Barelle ◽  
Anne Ruby ◽  
Michel Tavernier
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Experimental Model ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Aerodynamic Force ◽  
Alpine Skiing ◽  
Aerodynamic Properties ◽  
Speed Performance ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient ◽  
The Impact

Aerodynamic properties are one of the factors that determine speed performance in Alpine skiing. Many studies have examined the consequences of this factor in downhill skiing, and the impact of postural modifications on speed is now well established. To date, only wind tunnel tests have enabled one to measure aerodynamic drag values (a major component of the aerodynamic force in Alpine skiing). Yet such tests are incompatible with the constraints of a regular and accurate follow-up of training programs. The present study proposes an experimental model that permits one to determine a skier's aerodynamic drag coefficient (SCx) based on posture. Experimental SCx measurements made in a wind tunnel are matched with the skier's postural parameters. The accuracy of the model was determined by comparing calculated drag values with measurements observed in a wind tunnel for different postures. For postures corresponding to an optimal aerodynamic penetration (speed position), the uncertainty was 13%. Although this model does not permit an accurate comparison between two skiers, it does satisfactorily account for variations observed in the aerodynamic drag of the same skier in different postures. During Alpine ski training sessions and races, this model may help coaches assess the gain or loss in time induced by modifications in aerodynamic drag corresponding to different postures. It may also be used in other sports to help determine whether the aerodynamic force has a significant impact on performance.

scholarly journals Experimental Determination of the Impact of Floats on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of an OSA Model in Symmetric Flow

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-58
Author(s):  
Michał FRANT ◽  
Stanisław WRZESIEŃ ◽  
Maciej MAJCHER
Keyword(s):  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Symmetric Flow ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Drag Ratio ◽  
Lift To Drag Ratio

This paper presents the results of experimental determination of the impact of floats on the aerodynamic characteristics of an OSA model in symmetric flow. The studies have been performed in the low-speed wind tunnel at the Military University of Technology (MUT, Warsaw, Poland). The aircraft model was examined at the dynamic pressure q = 500 Pa in the following angle of attack range = -2828. The investigations have been performed for an aircraft model under plain configuration with floats and without floats. The influence of elevator and flap inclination on the aerodynamic characteristics of the model has also been analysed. The obtained values of aerodynamic drag coefficient, lift coefficient, pitching moment coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio have been presented in the form of tables and graphs. The studies performed demonstrated that the use of floats causes the increase of aerodynamic drag coefficient CD, maximum lift coefficient CLmax as well as critical angle of attack cr. The decrease of lift-to-drag ratio has also been observed. Its value in the case of the model with floats was up to 20% lower than in the model without floats. The studies also showed that the model equipped with floats had a lower longitudinal static stability margin than the model without floats.

scholarly journals The Impacts of Gustiness on Air–Sea Momentum Flux

Fluids ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. 336
Author(s):  
Meng Lyu ◽  
Henry Potter ◽  
Clarence O. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Momentum Flux ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Momentum Fluxes ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient ◽  
Turbulent Spectra ◽  
The Impact

The exchange of momentum across the air–sea boundary is an integral component of the earth system and its parametrization is essential for climate and weather models. This study focuses on the impact of gustiness on the momentum flux using three months of direct flux observations from a moored surface buoy. Gustiness, which quantifies the fluctuations of wind speed and direction, is shown to impact air–sea momentum fluxes. First, we put forward a new gustiness formula that simultaneously evaluates the impact of fluctuations in wind direction and speed. A critical threshold is established using a cumulative density function to classify runs as either gusty or non-gusty. We find that, during runs classified as gusty, the aerodynamic drag coefficient is increased up to 57% when compared to their non-gusty counterparts. This is caused by a correlated increase in vertical fluctuations during gusty conditions and explains variability in the drag coefficient for wind speeds up to 20 m/s. This increase in energy is connected with horizontal fluctuations through turbulent interactions between peaks in the turbulent spectra coincident with peaks in the wave spectra. We discus two potential mechanistic explanations. The results of this study will help improve the representation of gustiness in momentum flux parameterizations leading to more accurate ocean models.

Influence of Engine Cabin Simplification on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Car

2014 ◽  
Vol 1042 ◽  
pp. 188-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Jun Hu ◽  
Jing Chang
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Thin Plates ◽  
Average Thickness ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Engine Cooling ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
The Impact

In order to analyze the impact of engine cabin parts on aerodynamic characteristics, the related parts are divided into three categories except the engine cooling components: front thin plates (average thickness of 2mm), bottom-suspension and interior panels. The aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd) were obtained upon the combination schemes consisting of the three types of parts by numerical simulation. Results show that Cd by simulation is closer to the test value gained by the wind tunnel experiment when front thin plates were simplified to the two-dimensional interface with zero thickness. The error is only 5.23%. Meanwhile this scheme reduces grid numbers, thus decreasing the calculating time. As the front thin plates can guide the flow, there is no difference on the Cd values gained from the model with or without bottom-suspension or interior panels when the engine cabin contains the front thin plates; while only both bottom-suspension and interior panels are removed, the Cd value can be reduced when the cabin doesn’t contain the front thin plates.

A new moving model test method for the measurement of aerodynamic drag coefficient of high-speed trains based on machine vision

2017 ◽  
Vol 232 (5) ◽  
pp. 1425-1436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiwei Li ◽  
Mingzhi Yang ◽  
Sha Huang ◽  
Dan Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Machine Vision ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Model Test ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Test Accuracy ◽  
Friction Resistance ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient

A moving model test method has been proposed to measure the aerodynamic drag coefficient of a high-speed train based on machine vision technology. The total resistance can be expressed as the track friction resistance and the aerodynamic drag according to Davis equation. Cameras are set on one side of the track to capture the pictures of the train, from which the line marks on the side surface of the train are extracted and analyzed to calculate the speed and acceleration of the train. According to Newton’s second law, the aerodynamic drag coefficient can be resolved through multiple tests at different train speeds. Comparisons are carried out with the full-scale coasting test, wind tunnel test, and numerical simulation; good agreement is obtained between the moving model test and the full-scale field coasting test with difference within 1.51%, which verifies that the method proposed in this paper is feasible and reliable. This method can accurately simulate the relative movement between the train, air, and ground. The non-contact measurement characteristic will increase the test accuracy, providing a new experimental method for the aerodynamic measurement.

On the Penetrator Nose Drag Measurements

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph P. Holland ◽  
Yesenia Tanner ◽  
Phillip A. Schinetsky ◽  
Semih Olcmen ◽  
Stanley Jones
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Power Series ◽  
Viscous Fluid ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Terminal Velocity ◽  
Force Balance ◽  
Supersonic Wind Tunnel ◽  
Buoyant Force ◽  
Nose Shape

In the current study, a rigid body penetrator nose shape that is optimized for minimum penetration drag [1] has been tested to determine the aerodynamic drag of such a penetrator in comparison to three additional nose shapes. Other nose shapes tested were an ogive cylinder, a 3/4 power series nose, and a standard cone. Fineness ratio for the studied nose geometries was chosen as l/d = 1 to maximize variation of the aerodynamic drag forces acting on the nose shapes. This paper discusses the measurements carried out in the University of Alabama’s 6″ × 6″ supersonic wind tunnel, using a 4 component force balance system. In separate experiments, drop tests were made in a viscous fluid to determine the skin-friction effects on these nose shapes. Supersonic wind-tunnel experiments were performed on each of the nose shapes at nine different Mach numbers ranging from 2 to 3.65. Results show that the nose shape optimized for penetration has the lowest drag coefficient of all the shapes at each Mach number within an uncertainty of 5.75%. In the viscous flow drop-test experiments, each nose shape was dropped from rest through water and then separately through viscous fluid (Nu-Calgon vacuum pump oil) under freefall conditions. Each drop was recorded via videotape, and the video was then analyzed to find the terminal velocity of each individual nose shape. Using classical dynamics equations, the weight, buoyant force, and experimentally determined terminal velocity are used to determine the drag force applied to each nose cone shape. Results indicate that while the optimal shape has a lesser drag coefficient than tangent ogive and the cone, the 3/4 power series shape is observed to have the least drag coefficient. In addition to the experiments performed, results on further investigation of the optimal nose shape for penetration are presented. The nose shape has been split into a series of line segments, and a program written has been utilized to search through numerical space for the combination of line segment slopes that produces the nose geometry with the lowest nose shape factor. The results of the numerical analysis in this study point to a different nose shape than the “optimal nose” shape tested in the current study.

scholarly journals A wind-tunnel case study: Increasing road cycling velocity by adopting an aerodynamically improved sprint position

2019 ◽  
pp. 175433711986696
Author(s):  
Timothy Crouch ◽  
Paolo Menaspà ◽  
Nathan Barry ◽  
Nicholas Brown ◽  
Mark C Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Force Measurements ◽  
Sampling Errors ◽  
Repeated Testing ◽  
Road Cycling ◽  
Wind Tunnel Study

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potential to reduce the aerodynamic drag by studying road sprint cyclists’ positions. A male and a female professional road cyclist participated in this wind-tunnel study. Aerodynamic drag measurements are presented for a total of five out-of-seat sprinting positions for each of the athletes under representative competition conditions. The largest reduction in aerodynamic drag measured for each athlete relative to their standard sprinting positions varied between 17% and 27%. The majority of this reduction in aerodynamic drag could be accounted for by changes in the athlete’s projected frontal area. The largest variation in repeat drag coefficient area measurements of out-of-seat sprint positions was 5%, significantly higher than the typical <0.5% observed for repeated testing of time-trial cycling positions. The majority of variation in repeated drag coefficient area measurements was attributed to reproducibility of position and sampling errors associated with time-averaged force measurements of large fluctuating forces.

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