Optimal flight technique for V-style ski jumping

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a numerical study to determine the optimal flight technique for V-style ski jumping. We attempt to answer the question of how a jumper should fly in order to increase their flight distance in a V-style posture. The index of performance in this optimization study is the horizontal flight distance, which is mathematically equivalent to the total flight distance, and the control parameters are the ski-operning angle and the angle of forward lean that the jumper employs (the body-ski angle). The flight trajectory is simulated on the basis of an aerodynamic database constructed from wind tunnel test data. It is found that the ski-opening angle should be increased in the first half of the flight, and then maintained at a constant value during the rest of the jump. Optimal control of the ski-opening angle when there is either a headwind or tailwind is also discussed. It is found that the jumper needs to control the skiopening angle over a wider range in the case of a headwind than in the case of a tailwind. The jumper's skill in controlling the ski-opening angle is very important for increasing the flight distance, especially in the case of a tailwind.