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RE: Question about drafting

Comment comment by Anonymous on 17 July 2006

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

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RE: Question about drafting by bradsmith :: NR5

Thanks for clearing that up for me, that both parties can benefit. My next question would be how close must one follow to remain in the air steam without being at a distance that would create a drag on the leading vehicle?

Posted 17 July 2006, Hide, Parent, Reply