The Effects of Swimmers Posture and Swimsuit on the Hydrodynamic Performance during Underwater Swimming

Computational calculation is conducted to evaluate the effects of the swimmers posture and swimsuit on the hydrodynamic performance using the Fluent code. Both steady and unsteady models are applied on a 2D geometry. It is found that the swimmers posture and swimsuit play an important role on the hydrodynamic performance. The unsteady modeling reveals the vortex formation, development and separation behind the feet, and predicts the variation of the forces on the swimmer by time. The results provide a basis theoretically for the swimmer to understand the effects of posture and swimsuit on the resistive force, and then to provide tools for the optimization of underwater swimming.