ESS 303 – Biomechanics Hydro- and Aerodynamics
Air & Water Resistance Drag force Opposite direction of movement through medium Depends on coefficient of friction for the surrounding medium Types of drag Skin friction (surface drag) Profile drag (based on an object/person’s shape) Wave drag (air-water interference – think of splashing)
Skin Friction
Profile Drag
Wave Drag
Propulsive force in swimming Flat hand in stroke Tilted hand when treading water Making Drag Work For You
Lift force Pressure inversely proportional to velocity Bernoulli’s Principle Lift
Magnus Effect Ball’s Motion Low Velocity (High Pressure) High Velocity (Low Pressure)
Magnus Effect
Center of Buoyancy Different from center of mass (COM) or center of gravity (CG) Effects body and appendage position when floating CG CB
Angle of Attack Zero angle of attack, zero lift force, minimum drag force Small angle of attack, high lift force, small drag force High angle of attack, small lift force, large drag force
Terminal Velocity Force from the acceleration of gravity countered by air-friction force Air Friction Acceleration of Gravity
Terminal Velocity