Results of Single Sculling Technique Analysis Using 1D Mathematical Model

Abstract

Sports results in rowing depend on two the most important factors: the athlete physical features and the motion’s techniques. Both assessment and optimisation of rowing techniques are possible only when one disposes the reliable mathematical model predicting the regatta results, that is the time to cover the assumed distance. A single scull participating in the 2000 meters distance’s regatta is our subject. The purpose of this study is to create a simplified mathematical model to simulate the rowing boat dynamics. The boat-rower system is treated here as a material point here. The oar has a prescribed angular motion vs. oarlock depending upon the time. The way of hydrodynamic force developed on the oar’s blade was modelled here. Then the boat motion, with the influence both of wind and water current, was described by a single nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NODE). The used simple model gives the possibilities of fast and reliable simulation of the single sculling technique and of forecasting the result of rowing regattas. The parametric sensitivity coefficient was defined here, as well the efficiency coefficient of sculling.