On-site sports aerodynamics with the Ring of Fire
Themes: Life Science & Health, Software technology & Intelligent systems
Late lab scale demonstration
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
Andrea and his team developed Large Volume Particle Image Velocimetry, enabling a multitude of new (life size) objects to be aerodynamically analysed. For instance professional cyclists.
How?
The possible volume is increased using innovations in software and hardware: among others using relatively large helium filled soap bubbles as tracer material and a new type of nozzle.
When?
Already in use for static analysis of cyclists of the Giant Alpecin team, a future application is real time aerodynamic analysis of training cyclists in a Ring of Fire (indoor cycling track).
Dr. Andrea Sciacchitano