StreamliNZ is a joint project between E-Type Engineering Ltd
and the University of Otago

Applications

The StreamliNZ flume may be used for a range of biomechanical, physiological and therapeutic applications including:

• Biomechanical analysis of swimming technique using video motion-analysis
• Physiological responses of swimmers from development to elite athletes
• Assessing propulsion and drag of swimmers in order to coach the swimmers technique development
• Because of the unique environment, the flume is ideal for coach and athlete technical training

The flume, however, is used for more than analysing the performance of swimmers.

Other applications include:

• Water exercise therapy for special patient populations
• Research on human activity in conditions of neutral buoyancy
• wwwwAquatic and thermoregulatory research on the effects of water temperatures, water conditions, clothing and buoyancy aids on performance.
• Study of kayak and canoeing strokes including both technique analysis and effects of equipment on performance.
• Testing of buoyancy aids and underwater structures against current flow.
• Design modifications on yacht hulls
• Aquatic product testing.

An example of commercial development was the space-age swimsuit honed in New Zealand at the StreamLiNZ flume, and became the centre of a storm in the swimming world.

Speedo’s LZR Racer suit enabled wearers to smash 12 world records and led to calls for a debate about their use.

The swimsuit was tested at Otago University, using the StreamliNZ flume; essentially providing a wind tunnel in water that facilitated the optimal design.
– Otago Daily Times, 2008.