CFD analysis of head and helmet aerodynamic drag to wheelchair racing

Wheelchair racing, an important event in Paralympics, it requires huge effort from its athletes to overcome the resistive forces. The resistive forces in wheelchair racing are aerodynamic drag and rolling friction. CFD methodology can play a determinant role in aerodynamic analysis. The aim of this study was to analyses the aerodynamic drag at different speeds and attack angles of a human head with a helmet, whilst extrapolating results to better suit the needs of wheelchair racing athletes. Computer Fluid Dynamics methodology was used in this study. A 3D head and helmet scan was obtained from a Paralympics athlete. The 3D model was exported to fluent software generating the aerodynamic drag after numerical simulation. Regardless the velocity, 90° attack angle (subject looking down) presented higher aerodynamic drag (0.732 N) Wheelchair racing athletes should maintain a 0° attack angle (looking forward) mainly at speeds greater than 3.5 m/s.