Capturing 3D dynamic skin deformation for cycling aerosuit pattern development

The aim of this study was to capture and analyze the continuous 3D dynamic skin deformation during real cycling, so to apply the accurate dynamic data information to develop an aerodynamic cycling aerosuit patternmaking method. It was found that 31%-39% of the aerodynamic drag was created by the bike (Lukes, et al., 2005) while the rest of drag was due to the cyclist. The cycling aerosuit was reported to save 96 seconds over 25 miles by reducing the physical exertion by 10-12 watts during road cycling and by making the cyclist aerodynamic (Bracey, 2016). In order to develop an ergonomic and performance enhancing engineered cycling aerosuit, its pattern design should be based on the body dimension changes (i.e., skin deformation) during the cycling exercise. Thus, the understanding of the skin deformation assisted the cycling aerosuit pattern development.

Previously, the skin deformation has been studied and the results were recommended to be used for sportswear design and pattern development. The 3D body scanning technology was widely utilized to calculate the skin deformation from a simulated static motion posture (e.g., sitting, knee flexion or squatting) with. However, this method cannot precisely represent the skin deformation in real intensive cycling motion that is constantly changing. Therefore, the twelve-camera motion capture system (Eagle, Motion Analysis Corporation, USA) was utilized for this study which can capture the precise skin deformation data during the real dynamic cycling. Eight amateur male cyclists participated in this study. Seventy-two reflective markers were attached on a male cyclists’ skin according to the motion capture landmark and anthropometric landmark protocol. A static T-Pose standing posture and dynamic cycling in dropped position were captured. The horizontal, longitudinal, and curved body lines were analyzed. The information of maximum skin deformation and non-extension skin lines was used to calculate the negative ease for cycling garment pattern drafting. Copyright © 2019 The Fiber Society Spring Conference.