Zurich method visualizes air currents

The new measuring method, known as ProCap, was developed by researchers at the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich together with the ETH spin-off streamwise. Unlike conventional measurements in wind tunnels, which only provide information about the test object’s overall resistance, this method also identifies where precisely the air resistance arises. 

It accomplishes this by recording the surrounding air currents and visualizing them onscreen in real time. A measuring probe in the wind tunnel scans the areas that are of interest to the athlete.

“With the new method, athletes, trainers and technicians can see straightaway onscreen which areas are causing the most air resistance,” Andrin Landolt, founder of streamwise, said in a statement. This enables them to test out various positions and equipment types on location, saving significant amounts of time and money.

Up-and-coming athletes were able to test the measuring method in an ETH wind tunnel as part of a test week. Ski legend Karl Frehsner and time trial world champion Tony Martin also dropped by. 

“The test week is an important step towards implementing the method for real customers and moving it from a purely scientific application into the world of business,” explained Landolt.

streamwise is now focusing on commercializing the method, while ETH Zurich is researching possible further developments, including visualizing the wind currents in the future using augmented reality glasses.