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Aerodynamic drag is not the major determinant of performance during giant slalom skiing at the elite level.

This investigation was designed to (a) develop an individualized mechanical model for measuring aerodynamic drag (Fd) while ski racing through multiple gates, (b) estimate energy dissipation (Ed) caused by Fd and compare this to the total energy loss (Et), and (c) investigate the relative contribution of Ed/Et to performance during giant slalom skiing (GS). Nine elite skiers were monitored in different positions and with different wind velocities in a wind tunnel, as well as during GS and straight downhill skiing employing a Global Navigation Satellite System. On the basis of the wind tunnel measurements, a linear regression model of drag coefficient multiplied by cross‐sectional area as a function of shoulder height was established for each skier (r > 0.94, all P < 0.001). Skiing velocity, Fd, Et, and Ed per GS turn were 15–21 m/s, 20–60 N, −11 to −5 kJ, and −2.3 to −0.5 kJ, respectively. Ed/Et ranged from ∼5% to 28% and the relationship between Et/vin and Ed was r = −0.12 (all NS). In conclusion, (a) Fd during alpine skiing was calculated by mechanical modeling, (b) Ed made a relatively small contribution to Et, and (c) higher relative Ed was correlated to better performance in elite GS skiers, suggesting that reducing ski–snow friction can improve this performance.

Aerodynamic Optimization and Energy Saving of Cycling Postures for International Elite Level Cyclists (P114)

Introduction Drag in cycling counts for as much as 90% of total resistance opposing motion in a normal time-trial course. A small gain in term of drag reduction can, over a longer time-span (30 – 60 minutes) give a large advantage to the cyclists in terms of power output saved or velocity gained. The aim of present study was to aerodynamically optimize the cycling posture for each cyclist and thereby improve the athletes’ performances. We also wanted to quantify the power output saving, velocity gains and energy savings of this optimization.

Sinusoidal crossflow microfiltration device—experimental and computational flowfield analysis

We present an analysis of the flowfield inside a novel crossflow microfiltration device. The filter performance relies on shear focusing by means of a corrugated channel. The flow and shear stress characteristics inside the filter are studied by means of both micro Particle Image Velocimetry (micro-PIV) measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. We show that an increase of the shear rate by 55-85% as compared to a straight channel geometry is achieved for crossflow velocities ranging from 0.05 m s(-1)-0.8 m s(-1)(Re 5-70). This substantial increase in the local wall shear may improve filter performance in terms of reduced clogging and cell cake formation as compared to conventional crossflow filtration devices. Our current investigation, along with the fact that the filter employs no complex, three dimensional geometrical patterns, advanced pumping schemes, nor has a need for costly assembly and sealing procedures, indicates that the sinusoidal crossflow microfiltration module may serve as a technically and economically feasible solution for integrated lab-on-a-chip devices. Furthermore, the presented approach of shear-focusing may be beneficial in other bio-chemical contexts, such as cell lysis and surface chemistry.

Experimental testing of axial induction based control strategies for wake control and wind farm optimization

In state-of-the-art wind farms each turbine is controlled individually aiming for optimum turbine power not considering wake effects on downstream turbines. Wind farm control concepts aim for optimizing the overall power output of the farm taking wake interactions between the individual turbines into account. This experimental wind tunnel study investigates axial induction based control concepts. It is examined how the total array efficiency of two in-line model turbines is affected when the upstream turbines tip speed ratio (λcontrol) or blade pitch angle (β-control) is modified. The focus is particularly directed on how the wake flow behind the upstream rotor is affected when its axial induction is reduced in order to leave more kinetic energy in the wake to be recovered by a downstream turbine. It is shown that the radial distribution of kinetic energy in the wake area can be controlled by modifying the upstream turbines tip speed ratio. By pitching out the upstream turbines blades, however, the available kinetic energy in the wake is increased at an equal rate over the entire blade span. Furthermore, the total array efficiency of the two turbine setup is mapped depending on the upstream turbines tip speed ratio and pitch angle. For a small turbine separation distance of x/D=3 the downstream turbine is able to recover the major part of the power lost on the upstream turbine. However, no significant increase in the two-turbine array efficiency is achieved by altering the upstream turbines operation point away from its optimum.

On the measurement of wall shear stress

The differential pressure reading from a static hole pair is utilized for determination of the local wall shear stress. Both the hole diameter and forward-facing angle are varied to test the sensitivity of the device. The static hole pair in tested in a two-dimensional zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer on a smooth surface. The calibrating values for the local wall shear is determined from the universal scaling laws for the mean velocity profile in the inner part of the turbulent boundary layer. The static hole pair is found to be sensitive to imperfections in the manufacturing process, and needs an individual calibration in order to make accurate measurements of the local skin friction possible.

Numerical simulations of the NREL S826 airfoil

2D and 3D steady state simulations were done using the commercial CFD package Star-CCM+ with three different RANS turbulence models. Lift and drag coefficients were simulated at different angles of attack for the NREL S826 airfoil at a Reynolds number of 100 000, and compared to experimental data obtained at NTNU and at DTU. The Spalart-Allmaras and the Realizable k-epsilon turbulence models reproduced experimental results for lift well in the 2D simulations. The 3D simulations with the Realizable two-layer k-epsilon model predicted essentially the same lift coefficients as the 2D Spalart-Allmaras simulations. A comparison between 2D and 3D simulations with the Realizable k-epsilon model showed a significantly lower prediction in drag by the 2D simulations. From the conducted 3D simulations surface pressure predictions along the wing span were presented, along with volumetric renderings of vorticity. Both showed a high degree of span wise flow variation when going into the stall region, and predicted a flow field resembling that of stall cells for angles of attack above peak lift.

Comparative study on the wake deflection behind yawed wind turbine models

In this wind tunnel campaign, detailed wake measurements behind two different model wind turbines in yawed conditions were performed. The wake deflections were quantified by estimating the rotor-averaged available power within the wake. By using two different model wind turbines, the influence of the rotor design and turbine geometry on the wake deflection caused by a yaw misalignment of 30° could be judged. It was found that the wake deflections three rotor diameters downstream were equal while at six rotor diameters downstream insignificant differences were observed. The results compare well with previous experimental and numerical studies.

Skin Suit Aerodynamics in Speed Skating

Performances analysis in sports is complex since many factors linked together contribute to the final result thus a quantification of the effects of different suits on speed skating performances just with field measurements is a difficult task. In fact, field measurements and competition results do not clearly show the effect of using different suits. Industries and Olympic committees have then been pushed to increase the number of laboratory tests on materials, apparels and equipments in order quantify the effects of different textiles on skating suits. In some sports like cycling and speed skating the speed is entirely determined by the equivalence between external power and the power lost both by frictional losses and in order to increase the speed ((Di Prampero et al 1979a) and (Ingen-Schenau 1982)). Forces acting against the athlete and power dissipated are related with the equation:

Experimental analysis on parameters affecting drag force on speed skaters

P = FV