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Simulation of rowing in an optimization context

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Abstract

Competitive rowing requires efforts close to the physiological limits, where oxygen consumption is one main aspect. The rowing event also incorporates interactions between the rower, the boat and oars, and water. When the intention is to improve the performance, all these properties make the sport interesting from a scientific point of view, as the many variables influencing the performance form a complex optimization problem. Our aim was to formulate the rowing event as an optimization problem where the movement and forces are completely determined by the optimization, giving at least qualitative indications on good performance. A mechanical model of rigid links was used to represent rower, boat and oars. A multiple phase cyclic movement was simulated where catch slip, driving phase, release slip and recovery were modeled. For this simplified model, we demonstrate the influence of the stated mathematical cost function as well as a parameter study where the optimal performance is related to the planned average boat velocity. The results show qualitatively good resemblance to expected movements for the rowing event. An energy loss model in combination with case specific properties of rower capacities, boat properties, and rigging was required to draw qualitative practical conclusions about the rowing technique.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Swedish National Center for Research in Sports (CIF) and from the Swedish Research Council (VR).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. KTH Mechanics, Royal Institute of Technology, Osquars backe 18, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden

    Robert Pettersson, Arne Nordmark & Anders Eriksson

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  1. Robert Pettersson
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  2. Arne Nordmark
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  3. Anders Eriksson
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Correspondence to Anders Eriksson.

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Pettersson, R., Nordmark, A. & Eriksson, A. Simulation of rowing in an optimization context. Multibody Syst Dyn 32, 337–356 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11044-013-9384-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11044-013-9384-5

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