Speedo LZR RACER suit to make the headlines at Beijing games
23 Apr '08
3 min read
ANSYS Inc a global innovator of simulation software and technologies designed to optimize product development processes, announced that 35 swimming world records have already been broken by athletes wearing a new high-performance swimsuit designed using engineering simulation software from ANSYS.
The Speedo LZR RACER suit, developed for elite swimmers and launched in February this year, has been proven in testing to optimize swimmer performance better than any suit to date.
Seventeen out of 18 world records were broken at last week's FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) alone, suggesting the Speedo LZR RACER suit will make the headlines at the Beijing games.
Software from ANSYS played a critical role in the development of the suit. The technology was used to predict fluid flows around the body of an elite swimmer in the outstretched glide position (assumed immediately after the initial dive and following each lap's turn off the pool wall) to identify areas where drag, and its slowing effect, is likely to occur.
In addition, the simulation analysis guided placement of specially designed drag-reducing Speedo LZR RACER panels to minimize this negative effect.
Simulations then were run to confirm the Speedo LZR RACER suit was effective in reducing drag and enabling athletes wearing the suit to swim faster than ever before.
"While never forgetting the endless dedication and spirit of world-class athletes who continuallyhit new heights, we are thrilled with the success to date of the Speedo LZR RACER suit.