Science Blog ZINC PROJECTS
Swimsuit fabrics tested in wind tunnel
Date: 14-Feb-08
Author: NASA Langley Research Center
When a swimsuit manufacturer wanted to create a better fabric for competitive swimmers, it sought out some unlikely experts -- aerospace engineers at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
Warnaco Inc. of New York, the U.S. licensee of the Speedo swimwear brand, seeks use of a NASA wind tunnel at Langley to test swimsuit fabrics that may be used by athletes in international competitions.
Reducing drag helps planes fly more efficiently, and reducing drag helps swimmers go faster. Studies indicate viscous drag, or skin friction, is about one-third of the total restraining force on a swimmer. Wind tunnel tests measure the drag on the surface of the fabrics.
Full story: NASA Know-How Helps Athletes Rocket Through Water
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