Experimental evaluation of ski suit performance

In today's sport, a combined effort of individual skill, science & technological advancement and rigorous training is important for the success. In addition, athletes need both simulated and field training to be prepared physically and mentally. It is especially important for technically challenging sports like ski jumping where aerodynamics playa vital role. To achieve aerodynamic efficiency (manipulate drag and lift), the ski jumper's body postures, position & profile of the skis and other associated gears need to be optimised. Due to the short duration of ski jumping, a wind tunnel environment is an effective tool for both aerodynamic optimisation and training. This paper describes a design of a wind tunnel experimental rig that can be used as a training simulator as well as for the aerodynamic optimisation of the ski jumper's body posture and jumping suits. Using the developed full scale experimental rig, the aerodynamic perfonnance of two ski jumping suits with an articulated mannequin was evaluated and presented in this paper.