Performance and Biomechanics in the Flight Period of Ski Jumping: Influence of Ski Attitude

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The adjustment of ski attitude during the flight period of ski jumping aims to improve the aerodynamic performance and thus enlarges the flying distance. Previous studies have measured the aerodynamic forces of an isolated ski through wind tunnel experiments; however, less information on the aerodynamic moment and underlying flow structures was provided. The biomechanic relation between the aerodynamics of the ski and the athlete’s ankle was also unknown. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods, this research investigated the aerodynamic characteristics and related flow structures of a full-scale ski jumping ski in 125 attitudes. A convenient database for the aerodynamic forces and moments of the ski was established and the association between the aerodynamics of the ski and the control of the athlete’s ankle is discussed. ABSTRACT: The performance of ski jumping is underpinned by multi-disciplinary principles, in which the aerodynamics of the ski dominates the flying distance and affects the biomechanics of the athletes’ ankle during the flight period. Conventional research on this topic was supported by wind tunnel experiments. Here, the aerodynamics of a full-scale ski jumping ski was calculated via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods and good agreement with experimental data was achieved. The impacts of the angle of attack, yaw angle, and roll angle on the aerodynamic performance are explained. The inclusion of yaw angle can enhance the lift generation, which originates from the formation of a tilted multi-vortex system and the induced low-pressure footprints on the upper surface of the ski. Our results thus establish a database for the aerodynamic forces and moments of the ski and the associations between our findings and the skills in ankle control are discussed.