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RE: Question about drafting

Comment comment by Anonymous on 17 July 2006

What is the mechanism that causes the lead to have an increased load when drafting (I didn't read the full description of the method)?

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RE: Question about drafting by Anonymous :: NR0

By drafting you use the vacum that is behind the leader. But by doing so, you enlarge the vacum creating more drag on the leader.

However, I don't think the increase in drag for the leader is equal to the reduction for the drafter. The reduction is larger.

I personally used drafting while cycling across Canada with my wife so know the savings it makes.

Posted 17 July 2006, Hide, Parent, Reply
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RE: Question about drafting by Anonymous :: NR0

One thing that must be said for drafting however, is that the person who is leading must exert more force to maintain his/her speed than if no one were drafting behind them

Faulty science.

Though the leader always bears the brunt of aerodynamic drag, everything I've ever read says that, in a drafting situation, BOTH parties benefit. I think the reason is the air (or water) is allowed to stay better-attached to the surface that's parted it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drafting_%28racing%29

Wikipedia says:

Drafting, or slipstreaming, is a technique in sports racing where competitors align in a close group in order to reduce the overall effect of drag or fluid resistance ***of the group*** (my empahasis)

I would assume the swimmer is confusing the frustration of being "forced to lead" in a non-workload-sharing situation with actual increased drag.

Geronimo

Posted 17 July 2006, Hide, Parent, Reply