Computational Fluid Dynamics Method for the Analysis of the Hydrodynamic Performance in Swimming

Abstract

Numerical simulations of the flow around a swimmer during the different swimming phases were carried out to understand the drag force. In mechanics of swimming, the reduction of forces, which oppose to the swimmers advancement, plays a very important part in the improvement of the performances. As a consequence, the performance improvement requires a better understanding of the structure of the fluid flow around swimmers and a good knowledge of the pressure fields and wall shear stress encountered to minimize them. This chapter will focus on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) procedures and results for this practical implication in swimming and will aim at highlighting details on numerical schemes, validations, and results showing the way CFD can be used as a powerful tool in swimming understanding.