Near Wake Analysis of a Two-Man Bobsleigh Scaled Model

Andrea Sciacchitano, Pallav Pattnaik

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

The flow field in the near wake of a 1:5.5 bobsleigh model was investigated by means of stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The time-averaged flow field revealed two counter-rotating vortices and a strong downwash between them. From the velocity field, the aerodynamic drag was retrieved invoking the conservation of momentum. This approach enabled relating the aerodynamic loads with the flow structures responsible of the loads. Measurements were repeated with different front-cowling rotations between 0° and 20°. It was found that small nose rotations allowed a drag reduction by approximately 5%, whereas for nose rotations exceeding 10° the drag coefficient remained approximately constant.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 12th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA 2018)
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering of Sport
EditorsHugo G. Espinosa, David R. Rowlands, Jonathan Shepherd, David V. Thiel
PublisherMDPI
Number of pages7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
EventISEA 2018: 12th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association 'Engineering of Sport' - Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 26 Mar 201828 Mar 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings
Number6
Volume2
ISSN (Electronic)2504-3900

Conference

ConferenceISEA 2018: 12th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association 'Engineering of Sport'
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityBrisbane
Period26/03/1828/03/18

Keywords

  • bobsleigh aerodynamics
  • Particle Image Velocimetry
  • aerodynamic loads
  • pressure from PIV
  • conservation of momentum
  • front-cowling rotations

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