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Aerodynamic characteristics of low-drag bicycle wheels

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

D. I. Greenwell ,
N. J. Wood ,
E. K. L. Bridge  and
R. J. Addy
D. I. Greenwell
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath Bath, UK
N. J. Wood
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath Bath, UK
E. K. L. Bridge
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath Bath, UK
R. J. Addy
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath Bath, UK
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Abstract

A number of modern “aerodynamic” bicycle wheels were tested at full scale speeds in a windtunnel. The effects of wheel geometry, rotational speed and cross winds on drag force, side force and yawing moment were investigated.

Compared with a conventional spoked wheel, all the “aerodynamic” wheels were found to give similar improvements in drag of approximately 25%. In cross wind conditions, aerodynamic characteristics were strongly dependent on wheel geometry, but essentially independent of wheel rotational speed.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 99 , Issue 983 , March 1995 , pp. 109 - 120
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1995 

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