International Society for Swimming Fluid Dynamics

Advancing Aquatic Performance Through Computational Fluid Dynamics

Pioneering research at the intersection of hydrodynamics, biomechanics, and competitive swimming

2025

Founded

CFD

Core Technology

Global

Research Network

About ISFSFD

The International Society for Swimming Fluid Dynamics (ISFSFD) is a pioneering research organization founded by Pan American Games medalist and CFD expert Binil Murali Parthasarathi. We uniquely combine elite competitive swimming experience with advanced computational engineering to revolutionize understanding of fluid mechanics in aquatic environments, focusing on stroke mechanics, underwater performance, and turbulence reduction.

Our Mission

To advance scientific knowledge in aquatic fluid dynamics through innovative computational research, fostering collaboration between engineers, biomechanists, and sports scientists to optimize swimming performance and technique.

Our Vision

To become the global leader in CFD-based swimming research, establishing new standards for hydrodynamic analysis and performance prediction in competitive aquatics.

Research Focus

Breakthrough Performance Analysis

Where races are won: underwater phases account for 30-40% of competitive swimming performance

Underwater Optimization

Streamline position, dolphin kick mechanics, breakout timing. Potential gains: 0.1-0.3 seconds per turn.

Turn Mechanics

Wall approach, push-off angle (0-15°), depth trajectory. CFD analysis at multiple parameters for maximum speed retention.

Stroke-Specific CFD

Hand entry angles, pull patterns, body rotation. Turbulence reduction through computational modeling of all four competitive strokes.

Data-Driven Results

OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent simulations. Validated against motion capture, PIV analysis, and elite swimmer performance data.

Technical Approach

CFD Tools

OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, k-ω SST turbulence models, Reynolds ~10⁶

Key Metrics

Drag coefficient (Cd), pressure distribution, wake analysis, energy expenditure

Validation

Pool timing, motion capture, PIV correlation, athlete feedback

Performance Impact

0.1-0.3s

Per turn improvement potential

30-40%

Race time from underwater phases

15m

Critical underwater distance analyzed

Research Foundation

Building on established hydrodynamics literature: Toussaint (swimming drag), Marinho (underwater gliding), Lyttle & Blanksby (streamlining), Tor (turns/starts biomechanics)

Founding Member

Our founding member brings together expertise in computational fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, and aquatic biomechanics.

BMP

Binil Murali Parthasarathi

Founding Member & Principal Researcher

Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer | Pan American Games Medalist

Distinguished Achievements

Pan American Games Medal Winner - Elite competitive swimmer with international recognition
CFD Research Specialist - Several years of experience in computational fluid dynamics research and application
Unique Integration - Combining elite athletic experience with advanced engineering expertise

Areas of Expertise

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) - Multi-year research experience
Stroke Mechanics Optimization
Underwater Performance Analysis
Turbulence Reduction in Swimming
Aquatic Hydrodynamics
Swimming Biomechanics & Performance Analysis

Research Focus & Contributions

Pioneering research combining elite swimming experience with CFD analysis for stroke mechanics optimization
Advanced studies on underwater performance enhancement through computational modeling
Development of turbulence reduction methodologies for competitive swimming
Established foundational research framework integrating athlete experience with engineering analysis
Led initiatives bridging practical competitive swimming insights with computational fluid dynamics

Research Vision: Leveraging elite competitive swimming experience combined with extensive CFD expertise to revolutionize stroke mechanics, optimize underwater performance, and develop innovative turbulence reduction techniques for competitive aquatic sports.

Unique Perspective: As both a Pan American Games medalist and CFD researcher, brings unparalleled insight into the intersection of competitive athletics and computational engineering.

CFD Visualization Gallery

Computational fluid dynamics simulations of swimmer hydrodynamics during glide phase

Flow Streamlines - Glide Phase

Velocity streamlines showing flow acceleration and recirculation zones near head, torso, and feet. Color-coded velocity magnitude (m/s).

Surface Velocity Contours

Velocity magnitude contours on swimmer body surface. Red zones: high velocity/low pressure. Blue zones: drag regions.

Lateral Streamline Pattern

Side-view showing wake formation behind torso and thighs. Highlights flow separation and primary drag sources.

3D Flow Behavior

Semi-transparent model showing laminar flow attachment along head/torso and wake dissipation downstream.

Contact Us

Get in Touch

For research inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or membership information, please contact us:

General Inquiries: contact@isfsfd.org
Research Collaboration: research@isfsfd.org
Principal Researcher: Binil Murali Parthasarathi
Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin

Research Collaboration

We welcome collaboration with:

Academic institutions and research centers
Sports science laboratories
Elite swimming programs
CFD and biomechanics researchers