Case Studies

simulation@rand.com | RandSIM.com | 888.483.0674 D2H Advanced Technologies: Olympic Success Through Simulation The team modeled an outer layer of stretch fabric positioned over an underlying fabric containing aerodynamic turbulators. This introduced additional design considerations, as the properties and tension of the outer fabric directly influence the final surface shape. For example, a tightly stretched outer layer may compress the underlying ridges, changing their height and aerodynamic effectiveness. Using high-resolution meshes and advanced CFD capabilities, D2H was able to simulate these interactions and accurately predict aerodynamic behavior both during and after the drag crisis. The results demonstrated the significant potential of this design approach. "We got drag numbers of around 0.6, instead of 1.15. This design approach decreases drag nearly in half. When these findings can be applied to skinsuits, it's unbelievably powerful," Aidan said. The simulations demonstrated how carefully designed fabric combinations could substantially reduce aerodynamic drag, opening the door to more targeted and effective skinsuit development. Throughout the project, Ansys Fluent provided the advanced meshing and simulation capabilities needed to analyze these complex geometries. As Aidan noted: "With the recent improvements in Ansys Fluent meshing, we thought it would be worth trying Mosaic, the native mesher, and it has worked really well." Next Steps: Advancing Toward Fully Digital Fabric Development With the initial simulation methodology established, D2H has already begun exploring the next phase of the project: developing and evaluating new fabric designs entirely through digital simulation. Using additional Ansys simulation tools, the team aims to model the interaction between underlying fabric structures and outer fabric layers to predict their final surface shapes. These digitally generated designs could then be incorporated directly into CFD simulations, allowing engineers to evaluate aerodynamic performance without first manufacturing physical fabric samples. By reducing the need for physical prototypes, this approach has the potential to accelerate design iterations, improve development efficiency, and enable a more systematic exploration of fabric combinations. Ultimately, D2H is working toward a process in which engineers can design, simulate, and refine skinsuit materials digitally before moving to physical verification. Looking Ahead: The Future of Personalized Skinsuit Design The results achieved so far demonstrate the potential for a fully digital, simulation-driven approach to skinsuit development. By accurately predicting aerodynamic behavior during and after the drag crisis, D2H has established a strong foundation for evaluating increasingly complex designs. Skin friction plot of cylinder flow, illustrating how surface features in a cascade help to delay separation.

• Cover