Issue link: https://resources.randsim.com/i/1547515
simulation@rand.com | RandSIM.com | 888.483.0674 D2H Advanced Technologies: Olympic Success Through Simulation Overview Founded in 2015 by Darren Davies, D2H Advanced Technologies is an engineering and technology consultancy recognized for delivering innovative, high-quality engineering solutions at speed. With extensive in-house technical expertise, D2H supports projects across motorsport, automotive, aviation, and defense. Since its inception, the company has also contributed to Olympic-level performance programs, including track bike development, aerodynamic skinsuits, whole-body kinematics, and wind tunnel testing. Combining advanced engineering capabilities with a commitment to innovation, D2H helps clients overcome complex design and development challenges. When D2H approached the UK Sports Institute to explore opportunities to improve the aerodynamic performance of cycling skinsuits and streamline their development process, the team turned to Rand Simulation for advanced simulation support. As Darren Davies, CEO of D2H Advanced Technologies, explained: "Similar to the recent Olympic helmet project that D2H completed, we solicited Rand SIM again, given their deep Ansys expertise and their practical guidance. Rand SIM helps us deploy the appropriate simulation tools, thoroughly verified and trusted, to include in optimized workflows, for the fast-paced delivery required by our clients." Understanding the Physics Behind Aerodynamic Performance In competitive cycling, even small improvements in aerodynamic efficiency can make a meaningful difference. One important factor in reducing drag is a phenomenon known as the drag crisis. The drag crisis occurs when airflow around an object transitions from smooth, or laminar, flow to turbulent flow. Under the right conditions, this transition allows airflow to remain attached to the object's surface for longer, reducing the size of the wake behind it and significantly lowering aerodynamic drag. A familiar example is a golf ball. Its dimples help control airflow around the ball, reducing drag and allowing it to travel farther than a smooth ball under comparable conditions. The same principle can be applied to cycling skinsuits. By strategically incorporating small surface features, known as turbulators, engineers can influence airflow around an athlete's body to improve aerodynamic performance. Understanding and accurately predicting these effects is essential to developing more effective skinsuit designs.