THE STUDY OF SWIMMERS'S HAND AND FOREARM USING COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS

Computational Fluid Dynamics has been widely used in biomechanics studies applied to medicine and sport. In this study we developed a 3-D model for swimmer’s hand/forearm forces using Computational Fluid Dynamics. Models used in the simulations were created in CAD, based on realistic dimensions of a right adult human hand/forearm. The governing system of equations considered was the incompressible Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations implemented with Fluent® code. The drag coefficient was the main responsible for propulsion, with a maximum value of force propulsion corresponding to a pitch angle of 90o. The lift coefficient seemed to play a less important role in the generation of propulsive force with pitch angles of 0o and 90o but it is important with a pitch angle of 45o. It was demonstrated the relevance of applying CFD in the propulsive force measurements, using a more realistic model of a human segment.