Describe how swimsuit design has applied principles of fluid mechanics to improve swimming performance. (3 marks)
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Answers could include three of the following:
- Smooth, water-repellent fabrics reduce surface friction drag. Water flows over the suit more easily than over skin or loose fabric.
- Compressive suits hold muscles and soft tissue firmly against the body, creating a more streamlined shape that reduces form drag.
- Bonded seams replace stitched seams, removing raised edges that would disturb water flow and create turbulence.
- Some suits trapped air, increasing buoyancy and lifting the body higher in the water. Polyurethane full-body suits that did this were banned from 2010 because they gave an unfair advantage.
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Answers could include three of the following:
- Smooth, water-repellent fabrics reduce surface friction drag. Water flows over the suit more easily than over skin or loose fabric.
- Compressive suits hold muscles and soft tissue firmly against the body, creating a more streamlined shape that reduces form drag.
- Bonded seams replace stitched seams, removing raised edges that would disturb water flow and create turbulence.
- Some suits trapped air, increasing buoyancy and lifting the body higher in the water. Polyurethane full-body suits that did this were banned from 2010 because they gave an unfair advantage.