A single degree of freedom Simulator has been developed to analyse the influence of athlete physique on descent time in the bob skeleton. A model of human proportions is used to predict frontal and total surface area of an athlete for a given weight and height. Empirical relationships are then used to estimate the viscous and pressure form components of drag as functions of sled speed. A parametric Variation of athlete height and mass is used to evaluate the influence on descent time excluding the influence of the initial sprint time. The actual descent times for the top 15 male competitors at the 2007 St Moritz world championships are compared to the simulated descent time for each athlete based on their mass and height. The results demonstrate gains in aerodynamic performance are made from being taller for a given weight and also for increased overall weight. A final analysis shows the influence of the rule that attempts to equalise overall mass show an advantage for an athlete being lighter for a given height. A normalisation of the world championship race times so that start time is not taken into account shows a correlation between athlete experience and descent time.
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