Fluid Mechanics Flashcards
1
Q
Fluid mechanics
A
The study of forces acting on a body travelling through the air or water
2
Q
Air resistance
A
The force that opposes the direction of motion of a body through the air
3
Q
Drag
A
The force that opposes the direction of motion through the water
4
Q
They must battle air resistance. In order to do this, they: (6 strategies)
A
- Minimise the frontal cross-sectional area by adopting a low crouch position in the straights and jumps
- wear tear dropped helmets and fins on their gloves to create streamlined shape; this eases the air flow around the body
- They wear super silky lycra – this creates a smooth surface
- Light weight carbon fibre bikes – disc wheels; aerodynamic forks
- Aerodynamic riding positions – shoulders forward; high seat position; narrow handle bars
- Aerodynamic helmets – specialised shape and glossy surface
