TU Delft presents faster and safer suit for kiter Annelous Lammerts
For the first time, kitesurfing is on the Olympic Games programme, with the Dutch Annelous Lammerts as one of the top participants. Using the Formula Kite, a hydrofoil under the kiteboard, Lammerts can reach speeds of over 70 km/h. This speed involves increased risks and aerodynamic challenges. Therefore TU Delft, in collaboration with TeamNL and textile innovation start-up WEEV Textiles, developed an advanced aerodynamic and cut-resistant suit. TU Delft focused on the aerodynamic design, while WEEV Textiles focused on the suit's safety. This suit offers Lammerts not only safety, but also an average time gain of four seconds, which is crucial in her pursuit of an Olympic medal.
Our Kitefoil sport is a new and spectacular sport in full development. As top athletes, we are constantly striving for the perfect equipment. This new suit, developed in cooperation with TU Delft and WEEV Textiles, is a great step forward. It is custom-made, offers extra safety and can improve my performance. For me a win-win situation, and I also hope to contribute to the future of the sport with this.
Annelous Lammerts, TeamAllianz (national selection Watersportverbond)
Aerodynamics and advanced materials
The hydrofoil under the kiteboard reduces water resistance, lifting the board out of the water and achieving higher speeds. Because of this higher speed, aerodynamic drag is much more important compared to kiteboarding without a hydrofoil. To reduce drag, TU Delft designed a solution with advanced materials and aerodynamic design. The team of Wouter Terra, aerodynamics researcher, discovered that adjustments to the fabric on the arms and legs, as well as wearing a tight bib, significantly reduces drag and can yield a time gain of between four and 16 seconds.
Cut-resistant material for added safety
The higher speeds in Formula Kite pose various risks, such as cuts in crashes. WEEV Textiles therefore developed a new combination of materials that is cut-resistant and, thanks to TU Delft's aerodynamic additions, provides extra safety, speed and comfort. This cut-resistant base layer sets a new standard for kitesurfers' protection and will be available to both professional and amateur athletes in the future. Read more here on Weev Textiles.
In developing this kitefoil suit, we applied the aerodynamic knowledge we gained earlier at TeamNL. Together with WEEV Textiles, which focused on cut safety and textile design, we tested various cut-safe fabrics in combination with aerodynamics in our wind tunnel. Among other things, we investigated the effect of combinations of these and of wearing a loose or tight bib, the shirt the athletes receive from the organisation. The result is a unique suit that is faster and safer.
Wouter Terra, expert aerodynamics at TU Delft
TU Delft Sports Engineering Institute and partners
The TU Delft Sports Engineering Institute researches how technology can be used to improve the performance of elite athletes. From materials and design to clothing and equipment, TU Delft investigates how technology can contribute to better and more efficient performance. Annelous Lammerts' new suit is an example here. To develop this suit, TU Delft Sports Engineering Institute and WEEV Textiles worked closely with TeamNL / NOC*NSF, Sailing Innovation Centre and the Watersportverbond.
Press information
Press is cordially invited on Tuesday 25 June at 11.00 for a press meeting with Annelous Lammerts, aerodynamics researcher Wouter Terra and Bart Groenewoud of WEEV Textiles. The meeting will take place in the wind tunnel laboratory of the Faculty of Aerospace at TU Delft. During this event, we will present the new suit and Annelous will share her first experiences. Register via Fien Bosman, 06-24953733/ f.j.bosman@tudelft.nl. After registration, you will receive a confirmation with the address and other practical information.