This master's thesis is about nature optimalization technigues. Evolution algortihms together with main thesis topic, Particle Swarm Optimization, is introduced in the following chapter. Car setup and simulator TORCS are introduced in next chapter. Design and implementation are introduced in next chapters. Destination of t master's thesis is finding optimal car setups for different curcuits.

Extreme obstacle racing is a brand new sporting industry that is currently developing most not only in Europe but also around the world. I focused mainly on introducing this new sport in order to find out different level of the motor skills of beginners and professionals. In the theoretical part of my work, I defined what is characteristic for this sport and why it is so famous and wanted today. In the practical part, using the proposed test battery, I tested all the motor skills of beginners and professionals in order to identify the real physical differences between them. As a result of these facts, methods of testing, observation, processing, evaluation, analysis and statistics of data, along with the study of professional literature, were used. Based on the established hypotheses, I asked questions that I had in my opinions and attitudes to the beginners and professionals of this thriving sport. Through research and testing, we have found that professionals are certainly more dominant in motor skills than beginners with overall predominance in all underlying motor tests that included speed, endurance, strength and coordination tests. The benefit of this work is the analysis and introduction of a new sporting industry, including the main discovery of real differences between beginners and...

The main purpose of the diploma project is to redesign an object of the Brno Grand Prix areal. The design case study is a second step after an urban project analyses created in the pre - diploma project phase. The main aim of the diploma design studio is to produce a new impulse in the whole nearby area of the Brno Grand Prix by finding a new purpose for the city's iconic areal and creating a decent and representative place for exhibition of the extensive history of Czechoslovak Motor sport.

It is important to understand the aerodynamic properties of tensioned cables (e.g. used in suspension bridges and yacht riggings), both for drag reduction and vibrational suppression purposes. In this study, the cross-sectional shape and surface structure of solid cables were investigated in order to improve the performance of sailing racing yachts. The apparent wind angle range 15-60° was identified as the most important for drag reduction. Thereafter, the aerodynamic properties of different shapes and surfaces were investigated in the Reynolds number range 5 x 10^3 ≤ Re ≤ 4 x 10^4, by performing computational fluid dynamics simulations and wind tunnel tests (the aerodynamic forces were measured using load cells). No significant effect of changing the surface roughness could be found for the investigated Reynolds number range. The results were compared to literature values for validation. Elliptical shapes with a fineness ratio between 1:1-3:1, together with three complex shapes, were tested. It could be shown that the largest performance gain was obtained for cables with more sail-like aerodynamic properties (for apparent wind angles below 90° a large lift/drag ratio is sought). This study was performed in collaboration with Carbo-Link AG, as an outlook, the manufacturability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer cables in the most aerodynamically efficient shape was explored.

This study explored the psychological and sociological motivations of adult female and male obstacle course racers. A qualitative case study approach was used to explore the views, experiences, and motivations of obstacle course racing (OCR) participants. Descriptive statistics and cross tabulation was used to interpret responses to the 297 online questionnaires. A content analysis approach was used to analyze the qualitative data gathered from three focus groups with a total of 20 obstacle course racers. Three theories formed the basis of the study: Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Achievement Goal Theory (AGT), and Social Leaning Theory (SLT). Overall, findings supported previous research regarding motivations to participate in adventure racing and extreme sports. Individuals were guided more by intrinsic motives than extrinsic motives. Important motivations for obstacle course racers included the camaraderie among participants, connecting and socializing with other like-minded people, having fun, and having a physical challenge that allowed them to progress and keep on track with their health goals. Obstacle course racing was perceived as positively impacting participants’ health, mental wellness and their confidence in their physical abilities as well as in other areas of their lives. Findings from this study may inform future interventions to increase participation in OCR or to increase overall physical activity among adults by building on camaraderie, social connection, enjoyment, and self-efficacy.

This project was conducted as a case study at Öhlins Racing AB, a manufacturer of suspension systems for automotive applications. Öhlins usually manufacture their components by traditional methods such as forging, casting, and machining. The project aimed to investigate how applicable Additive Manufacturing (AM) is to manufacture products for suspension systems to add value to suspension system components. For this, a proof of concept was designed and manufactured. The thesis was conducted at Öhlins in Upplands Väsby via the consultant firm Combitech.  A product catalog was searched, screened, and one part was selected. The selected part was used as a benchmark when a new part was designed for AM, using methods including Topology Optimization (TO) and Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM). Product requirements for the chosen part were to reduce weight, add functions, or add value in other ways.  Methods used throughout the project were based on traditional product development and DfAM, and consisted of three steps: Product Screening, Concept Development, and Part Design. The re-designed part is ready to be manufactured in titanium by L-PBF at Amexci in Karlskoga.  The thesis result shows that at least one of Öhlin's components in their product portfolio is suitable to be chosen, re-designed, and manufactured by AM. It is also shown that value can be added to the product by increased performance, in this case mainly by weight reduction. The finished product is a fork bottom, designed with hollow structures, and is ready to print by L-PBF in a titanium alloy.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters’ Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Background : Core strengthening may improve athletic ability by providing stability to the trunk, and as a result, stabilising the pelvis. The leverage from which cyclists generate power may be enhanced as a result of a stable pelvis, thereby improving the cyclist’s performance. In the popular, highly competitive sport of cycling, performance enhancement is much sought after. Despite its widespread use, research involving core strengthening in sporting situations is lacking, with studies investigating the effect of a core strengthening programme on cycling performance yet to be investigated. Objectives : To determine the participants’ cycling speed, power, cadence and completion time, and core strength in terms of objective findings, pre- and post- core strengthening intervention, in the whole sample and within the two age strata. To determine the participants’ heart rate in terms of objective findings, and the rate of perceived exertion in terms of subjective findings, pre- and post- core strengthening intervention, in the whole sample and within the two age strata. To determine the participants’ perception of change in speed, power and cadence post- intervention, in the whole sample and within the two age strata. Method : Forty-two asymptomatic cyclists performed two 1.5 km time trials, pre- and post- core strengthening intervention. Core strength assessments were performed pre- and post- intervention, using the Pressure Biofeedback Unit, and the maximum and average speed (km/hr), power (w) and cadence (rpm), and completion time (s) were recorded pre- and post- intervention, using the Computerised Electromagnetic Roller resistance Ergometer (Tacx Trainer). Heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded pre- and post- intervention, as well as the participant’s perception of change in speed, power, and cadence post- intervention. SPSS version 20 (SPSS Inc) was used to analyse the data, in the whole sample and stratified into two age strata. Results : ll cycling performance indicators, speed, power, cadence and completion time showed a significant improvement post- intervention, in the whole sample, and within the two age strata. Core strength indicators showed a significant improvement post- intervention, in the whole sample and within the two age strata. A significant decrease in rate of perceived exertion and corresponding heart rate measurements post- intervention was observed in the whole sample. Similarly, the younger age strata reflected a significant decrease in rate of perceived exertion, however heart rate measurements were not significant. In contrast, the older age strata showed significant changes in heart rate measurements, with no significance in rate of perceived exertion measurements. The majority of participants experienced an increased perception in all outcomes post- intervention. Conclusions: The results of this study found that core strengthening had a statistically significant effect (p < 0.001) on cycling performance, both in terms of objective and subjective findings. Future studies could address the effect of core strengthening in an endurance setting.

Sports cars need efficient brake cooling as they shall perform well during hard driving conditions, like for example race track driving. Most sports cars use ducts that capture ambient airflow and directs this flow over the brakes to improve the cooling. This project was conducted in cooperation with Koenigsegg Automotive AB and aims to develop more efficient brake cooling ducts for their cars.  Computational Fluid Dynamics was used to analyse the convective cooling of the brake disc and the pads. First was the cooling with the previously used ducts analysed in order to establish a reference.  Then new concepts were created, analysed and developed in an iterative process.  A design is proposed, which have the inlet in the centre of the wheel axle and that directs the air through radial channels to the brake disc. The simulations indicate that the proposed design results in 14% higher heat transfer rate compared to the previously used cooling solution.   In addition to the cooling ducts, some passive cooling devices were also simulated. Simulations with these in combination with the proposed design, indicate up to 25% increase in heat transfer rate, but this cannot be fully confirmed due to limitations in the simulation model. / Sportbilar behöver effektiv bromskylning eftersom de ska prestera väl under hårda körförhållanden, som till exempel bankörning. De flesta sportbilar använder kanaler som fångar omgivande luftflöde och riktar detta flöde över bromsarna för att förbättra kylningen.  Detta projekt genomfördes i samarbete med Koenigsegg Automotive AB och syftar till att utveckla effektivare bromskylkanaler till deras bilar. Computational Fluid Dynamics användes för att analysera den konvektiva kylningen av bromsskivan och bromsbeläggen.  Först analyserades kylningen med den tidigare använda bromskylkanalen i syfte att skapa en referens. Sedan skapades nya koncept som analyserades och utvecklades i en iterativ process.  En konstruktion föreslås, som har inloppet i centrum av hjulaxeln och som sedan styr luften genom radiella kanaler till bromsskivan. Simuleringarna indikerar att den föreslagna konstruktionen resulterar i 14% högre värmeöverföringshastighet än den tidigare använda bromskylningslösningen.  Förutom kylkanalerna har några passiva kylanordningar också simulerats.  Simuleringar med dessa i kombination med den föreslagna konstruktionen, indikerar upp till 25% ökning av värmeöverföringshastigheten, men detta kan inte helt bekräftas på grund av begränsningar i den använda simuleringsmodellen.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this qualitative-quantitative study was to describe the exercise intensity and predictors of performance of a multi-stage mountain bike (MTB) race (2014 Absa Cape Epic) lasting 8 days. Twenty-three amateur mountain bikers (age 39 ± 9 years, height 178.8 ± 8.2 cm, body mass 74.7 ± 9.1 kg, VO2max 54 ± 7 ml.kg-1.min-1) who completed the 2014 Absa Cape Epic were involved in the study. The participants were divided into two groups according to their MTB experience. The experienced group included participants who previously completed more than three 3-day multi-stage MTB events and the novices group included those who has completed less than 3-day multi-stage MTB events. Prior to the event the participants completed a maximal aerobic cycling test and a simulated 40 km time trial (TT). The maximal aerobic test was used to determine 3 work intensity zones based on heart rate (HR) corresponding to blood lactate thresholds (LT: increase in blood lactate concentration of 1 mmol.l-1 above baseline values and the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol.l-1). There were no statistically significant differences in the physical, physiological and performance variables measured in the laboratory between the two groups. The exercise intensity during the Cape Epic was measured using telemetric HR monitoring sets. RPE values were noted after each stage of the race. The mean HR was 88.1 ± 5.3% (experienced) and 84.2 ± 11.0% (novices) of maximal HR during the race or 88.9 ± 3.5% (experienced) and 85.9 ± 10.6 (novices) of laboratory determined maximum HR. More time was spent in the “low” HR zone (43.1 % vs 58.5 %, respectively), while only a small amount of time was spent in the “hard” HR zone (7.4% and 6.1%, respectively). The experienced group spent statistically significantly more time in the “moderate” HR zone compared to the novices group (49.5 % vs. 35.4 %). The experienced group performed significantly better during the event compared to the novices group in both the total event time (P = 0.004) and the general classification (P = 0.01). Relative and absolute power output (PO) at OBLA (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively) were statistically significant predictors of total event time, while relative peak power output was a significant predictor of general classification for the event (P = 0.02) . The total TT time was a significant predictor of average event HR (P = 0.03). This study showed that this MTB stage race is physiologically very demanding and requires cyclists to have excellent endurance capacity, as well as strength and power. The parameters from the maximal aerobic capacity test correlated better with outdoor performance than parameters from the simulated 40 km TT. Therefore the standard maximal aerobic capacity test are sufficient for testing mountain bikers and sport scientists can continue using this test to prescribe exercise intensity zones for training and events. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie kwalitatiewe-kwantitatiewe studie was om die oefeningsintensiteit en voorspellers van prestasie tydens ‘n multi-dag bergfiets kompetisie (Absa Cape Epic) van 8 dae lank te bepaal. Drie-en-twintig bergfietsryers (ouderdom 39 ± 9 jaar, lengte 178.8 ± 8.2 cm, liggaamsmassa 74.7 ± 9.1 kg, VO2maks 54 ± 7 ml.kg-1.min-1) wat die 2014 Absa Cape Epic voltooi het, het aan die studie deelgeneem. Die deelnemers is in twee groepe verdeel volgens hulle ervaring in multi-dag bergfiets kompetisies. Die ervare groep was al die deelnemers wat meer as drie 3-dae multi-dag bergfiets kompetisies voltooi het. Die onervare groep was al die deelnemers wat minder as drie 3-dag multi-dag bergfiets kompetisies voltooi het. Voor die kompetisie het al die deelnemers ‘n maksimale aërobiese toets en ‘n gesimuleerde 40 km tydtoets in die laboratorium voltooi. Die maksimale aërobiese toets is gebruik om drie werk intensiteit sones volgens die hartspoed te bepaal, naamlik die hartspoed by die laktaatdraaipunt(‘n toename in bloed [laktaat] van 1 mmol.l-1 bo die basislynwaardes) en die hartspoed by die aanvang van bloedlaktaat akkummulasie (‘n vaste bloed [laktaat] waarde van 4 mmol.l-1). Daar was geen statisties betekenisvolle verskille in die fisiese, fisiologiese en prestasie veranderlikes tussen die twee groepe nie. Die oefeningsintensiteit tydens die Cape Epic was gemeet deur gebruik te maak van hartspoedmonitors. Die RPE waardes was aan die einde van elke skof genoteer. Die gemiddelde hartspoed was 88.1 ± 5.3 % (ervare) en 84.2 ± 11.0 % (onervare) van maksimale kompetisie hartspoed, of 88.9 ± 3.5 % (ervare) en 85.9 ± 10.6 % (onervare) van die maksimale hartspoed soos in die laboratorium gemeet. Die fietsryers het meer tyd spandeer in die “lae” hartspoed sone (43.1 % vs 58.5 %, onderskeidelik), in vergelyking met die “moeilike” hartspoed sone (7.4 % vs 6.1 %, onderskeidelik). Die ervare groep het statisties betekenisvol meer tyd in die “matige” hartspoed sone spandeer (49.5 % vs. 35.4 %) in vergelyking met die onervere groep. Die ervare groep het beter presteer tydens die kompetisie vir beide totale kompetisie tyd (P = 0.004) en algehele klassifikasie (P = 0.01). Relatiewe en absolute krag by aanvang van bloed laktaat akkumulasie was statisties betekenisvolle voorspellers van totale kompetisie tyd (P = 0.01 en 0.02, onderskeidelik), terwyl maksimale krag ‘n statisties betekenisvolle voorspeller was van algehele klassifikasie in die kompetisie (P = 0.02). Die totale tydtoets tyd was ‘n statisties betekenisvolle voorspeller van gemiddelde hartspoed tydens die kompetisie. Die studie het gewys dat hierdie multi-dag bergfiets kompetisie fisiologies baie uitdagend is en dat fietsryers uistekende uithouvermoë kapasiteit, sowel as krag en plofkrag moet besit. Die veranderlikes van die maksimale aërobiese toets het beter met prestasie in die veld gekorreleer as die veranderlikes van die gesimuleerde 40 km tydtoets. Daar word dus afgelei dat die standaard maksimale aërobiese toets voldoende is vir die toetsing van bergfietsryers en sportwetenskaplikes kan aanhou om hierdie toets te gebruik om oefeningsintensiteit sones voor te skryf vir oefensessies en kompetisies.

The thesis describes the development of regional periodicals in Mladá Boleslav from 1945 to the beginning of normalization in 1969 in terms of the historical, political and social background. The main objective is to describe how the most important regional newspapers looked and what they wrote. At the time of the Third Republic there were weekly political magazines: Social Democratic Hlas lidu and Communistic Naše Pojizeří (later called Naše noviny). During the fifties there was a rural newspapers called Nová vesnice within the central regional press, which at the end of the fifties, transformed into the district newspaper Mladoboleslavsko, later renamed Zář Mladoboleslavska. Other significant titles in the district were also racing magazine Ventil cultural monthly magazine Život mladoboleslavské kultury in the sixties. The thesis provides a historical overview and a formal content analysis of each regional periodicals. To complement the broader context of the main theme the author summarizes the development of regional print media before 1945, as well as briefly describes the political history of Czechoslovakia during the periods 1945 to 1969 including media management techniques and providing social, demographic and economic characteristics of the district of Mladá Boleslav. The thesis also...