Mechanics of flight in ski jumping: aerodynamic stability in pitch

Abstract

This study examines aerodynamic stability in pitch in ski jumping. Static stability implies automatic return to trimmed flight after a sudden disturbance and dynamic stability involves gradual damping of oscillatory motion. Both have implications for flight control and safety. A 3-D inertia model of a ski jumper and the Planica K185 jumping hill profile were constructed using computer-aided design. Inertia, jump performance, and aerodynamic efficiency and stability parameters were computed for variations in V-style posture using mathematical modeling. Pitching moment at a 01 angle of attack was positive, and the condition dM/dao0 at equilibrium was satisfied, indicating that the athlete is inherently stable. Enhanced flight posture consists of a ski-opening angle of 301 and a forwardleaning angle of 101. This is a high-lift configuration with a large static margin that triggers a steep dM/da slope and high oscillatory frequency upon deviations from trimmed attitude. Mechanisms of stability in pitch are proposed, founded upon theoretical aerodynamics. r

Aerodynamic Analysis on Postures of Ski Jumpers during Flight using Computational Fluid Dynamics

“…Marqué-Bruna and Grimshaw 17) analyzed flight postures to understand the mechanisms of flight stability. They proposed improved postures with the ski angle (V) of approximately 30 degrees and a body angle relative to the ski plate (¢) of approximately 10 degrees.…”