Investigating Wave Energy Effects on Swimmer Dynamics: An Analytical and Experimental Approach

Swimming in open water has unique biomechanical challenges due to the effects of various waves and environmental factors on the swimmer’s pattern, stability, and performance. This study examined how wave energy parameters affected a swimmer’s biomechanical response in a water environment. In this study, a theoretical and experimental approach investigated wave energy through parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and power using standard fluid dynamic equations. A wave generation system utilizing two MG996R motors was de- signed to control a flap mechanism, which simulates wave motion. The system is controlled via a microcontroller to create waves, and a swimmer model fitted with an MPU6050 triaxial accelerometer and gyroscope was used to collect precise motion capture data that was as detailed as possible. Controlled experiments were conducted under multiple wave conditions. Data acquisitions took place and were analyzed in the time and frequency domains. Data was analyzed in the frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to determine dominant frequency components in the swimmer’s movements. Power Spectral Density (PSD) provided an estimate of the energy distribution in the swimmer’s movements. The results showed that as the wave energy increased, the swimmer’s body displacements increased, the swimmer’s in- stability increased, and the average corrective movement frequency also increased. The results illustrate that environmental wave dynamics had a significant effect on swimmer biomechanics and provide implications for training opportunities for open water swimmers, safety for athletes, and human-aquatic body interactions