The Journey Of The Olympic Torch: History, Design, And Technology

The Olympic Torch represents a rich, blended history of ancient traditions and modern values. Bearing the iconic flame, the Olympic torch relay honors the symbolic power of fire, embodying purity, passion, and perseverance. The flame ignites in Olympia, Greece, through the sun’s rays—linking the ancient and modern Games—and journeys to the host city, where it illuminates the “Celebration Cauldron” at the opening ceremony, marking the official commencement of the Games.

From tradition to spectacle

Since the Berlin Summer Olympics in 1936 and the Oslo Winter Games in 1952, the design of the Olympic torch has consistently embodied the cultural essence of each host nation. This dedication to unique design introduces an additional layer of narrative to the torch relay, enriching the event’s history and significance.

The creation of an Olympic torch begins years in advance, requiring a meticulous process to meet exacting standards. Every torch is designed to contain a fuel canister, produce a flame that can withstand harsh conditions, and be both light to carry and ergonomic. The development journey spans several key steps: initial design, 3D modeling, prototyping, testing for durability and safety, and finally, mass production.

The evolution of fuel technology

The evolution of fuel technology for Olympic torches has aimed to provide a brighter and smokeless flame. From early torches using solid fuels such as naphthalene and hexamine to more modern liquid/gas fuels introduced in Munich 1972, innovations have continued. The Atlanta 1996 torch utilized propylene, which produced a bright flame but required further refinement to reduce smoke and soot. By Sydney 2000, designers found a better balance with fuel mixes that maintained luminosity while minimizing environmental impact.

For the 2024 Paris Games, the Olympic torch will incorporate innovative fuel technology to enhance sustainability. The torch will use a blend of renewable hydrogen and bio-sourced propane, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. This eco-friendly approach aligns with the broader environmental goals of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, aiming to deliver the first climate-positive Olympics. The new fuel technology ensures the flame’s visibility and reliability while promoting a greener future, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to address global environmental challenges.

Iconic designs through the years

Torch designs have ranged from classical styles, such as the Rome 1960 torch inspired by ancient artifacts, to contemporary iterations, like the London 2012 torch, which symbolized the Olympic values through its triangular shape and perforations. The torch designs often encapsulate elements of local culture, as seen with the Beijing 2008 torch’s auspicious cloud motifs and the Rio 2016 torch’s wave-like curves representing Brazil’s landscape. The Tokyo 2020 torch incorporated traditional Japanese cherry blossom motifs, embodying themes of hope and resilience.

For instance, the torch for the London 2012 Olympics was notably intricate, featuring 8,000 perforations to symbolize the 8,000 individuals honored with bearing it. Similarly, the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will see 2,000 torches, each embodying the spirit and elegance of Parisian culture, showcasing the meticulous craft and thoughtful symbolism that goes into celebrating the unity and competitive spirit of the Games.

The Paris 2024 Games features a torch crafted by French artist Mathieu Lehanneur, embodying themes of Equality, Water, and Peacefulness. Its symmetrical form with wave-like patterns emulates the movement of water, paying tribute to the Seine River, while symbolizing equal participation. The torch conveys generosity and unity, capturing the spirit of the Olympic truce. This iconic symbol will be carried by 11,000 participants (10,000 for the Olympic Games and 1,000 for the Paralympic Games) during the relay. The 2024 Olympics also highlights the connection between the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Both torches share the same design, emblem, and mascot, reinforcing the unity between these two monumental events.

Advanced testing methodologies

The torches go through extensive and thorough testing to ensure that they are reliable, safe, and durable under different conditions. Engineers and designers put the torch through a series of trials, including exposure to extreme weather conditions such as high winds, rain, and temperature fluctuations. They test the flame’s consistency and visibility to ensure it stays lit throughout its journey. Additionally, the torch undergoes stress tests to withstand physical impacts and vibrations during transportation. The modern Olympic torches undergo wind tunnel tests, extreme temperature variations, and drop tests to verify their durability. The Paris 2024 torch, which measures 70 centimeters and weighs 1.5 kilograms, is similarly designed to be water and windproof and has been tested under wind tunnel conditions.

Computational fluid dynamics simulations

Employing CFD simulations for the Olympic torch allows designers to analyze how different wind speeds, directions, and weather conditions affect the flame’s stability and visibility. Through Large Eddy Simulation (LES), a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach, engineers can capture complex aerodynamic interactions around the torch’s structure. This includes predicting turbulent flow patterns and vortices that may cause flame flickering or extinguishment.

CFD enables meticulous scrutiny of the combustion process within the torch’s burner, optimizing fuel-air mixtures and flame shapes to maximize efficiency and resilience. The simulations can also assess thermal comfort and safety for torchbearers, ensuring that the heat distribution does not become uncomfortable or dangerous.

The Cadence Fidelity LES Solver, formerly CharLES, is the industry’s first high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver that expands the practical application of large eddy simulations (LES) to a broad range of engineering applications in aerospace, automotive, and turbomachinery. Designed to tackle the toughest fluid dynamics challenges, it accurately predicts traditionally complex problems for CFD in aeroacoustics, aerodynamics, combustion, heat transfer, and multiphase.

One notable example of LES that has been successful in recent years is the study of a turbulent jet flame (Sandia D piloted jet flame). As shown in the figure below, the methane fuel is injected from the center and mixed with air from the surrounding coflow. The jet spreads, reacts, reaches a maximum temperature, then cools as it entrains more air from the coflow. This example highlights the effectiveness of LES in solving complex problems where turbulent mixing and nonlinear multiphysics are important.

The voyage of the Olympic flame signifies a tale of human resilience and technological innovation. Each torch not only carries the flame but also tells a story of cultural heritage, innovation, and unity. As the world watches the flame’s journey, it stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and the undying Olympic spirit.