Aerodynamic analysis of human walking, running and sprinting by numerical simulations.

Abstract

The drag in walking, running and sprinting locomotion can be assessed by analytical procedures and experimental techniques. However, assessing the drag variations by the above-mentioned types of locomotion were not found using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Thus, the aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to assess the aerodynamics of human walking, running and sprinting by CFD technique; 2) compare such aerodynamic characteristics between walking and running. Three 3D models were produced depicting the walking, running and sprinting locomotion techniques, converted to computer aided design models and meshed. The drag varied with locomotion type. Walking had the lowest drag, followed-up by running and then sprinting. At the same velocities, the drag was larger in walking than in running and increased with velocity. In conclusion, drag varied with locomotion type. Walking had the lowest drag, followed-up by running and then sprinting. At the same velocities, the drag was larger in walking than in running and increased with velocity.