Stephen Kulju

http://www.mira.co.uk/Services/images/bike.jpg
Outline
Introduction
Basic Fluid Mechanics
Drag and Friction
Bicycle Aerodynamics
Position
Velocity & Power Output
Reducing Drag
Drafting
Crosswind effects
Introduction
Aerodynamics, or wind resistance is an everyday
experience to bicyclists. At average speeds
aerodynamic drag is the largest resistive force aside
from the gravity of a large hill
Due to the fluidity of air.
Composed of normal (Pressure) force and tangential
(frictional) force.
Extremely geometry dependent.
Fluid Mechanics & Dynamics
Fluid a material that deforms continuously and
permanently under the application of a shearing
stress.
Important properties
Density ()
Specific weight ()
Specific Gravity (SG)
Viscosity ()
Shear Force
Velocity Gradient
Velocity of fluid is zero along surface due to
friction . (No slip condition)
Fluid Mechanics & Dynamics
Streamline
Lines tangent to the velocity vector throughout the flow
field
Figure from Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics pg. 97
Fluid Mechanics & Dynamics
Stagnation Point
Largest pressure obtainable along a streamline
Velocity is zero
Figure from Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics pg. 108
Fluid Mechanics & Dynamics
Air as a fluid
When studying aerodynamics air is treated as a fluid.
Follows all laws of motion and all laws of fluid
mechanics

http://pico1.e.ft.fontys.nl/aot/newton.jpg
F = m
Conservation of Energy
Conservation of Mass
Fluid Mechanics & Dynamics
Continuity equation
Mass is conserved
V
1
A
1
=V
2
A
2



Bernoulli equation
P
1
+1/2 V
1
2 +
z
1
= P
2
+1/2 V
2
2 +
z
2
Relationship between Pressure, Velocity, and Elevation
Based on conservation of linear momentum (Kinetic
Energy)
A1
A2
V1
V2
Aerodynamics
Two effective forces
Pressure
Friction
For cyclists, pressure effect
is much larger than friction
due to non-streamlined
body.
Streamlined bodies
incorporate gradual
tapering to minimize
pressure effect and
separation of fluid

(a) Normal pressure and friction forces (b) Attached and
separated flow around a cylinder (c) Attached flow and
pressure recovery along a streamlined body
Figure from Bicycle Science pg. 174
Aerodynamics
Drag Coefficient
C
D
= drag/(area x dynamic pressure)
Dynamic Pressure can be
approximated for speeds under 100
mi/h as:
Dynamic pressure = V
2
/2g
c
g
c
= 32.174 lbm-ft/lbf-s
2
Drag
The force in the direction of relative
flow.
Propulsion power to overcome drag:
= drag force x relative vehicle
velocity



Aerodynamics
Drag coefficients of various geometries
Figure from Bicycling Science pg. 191
Aerodynamics
Laminar Flow
Layers of fluid flow slide smoothly over one another
Turbulent Flow
Boundary layer is composed of vortices that increase surface
friction.
Common at rear end of non-streamlined vehicle
Turbulent Laminar
http://www.cheng.cam.ac.uk/research/groups/electrochem/JAVA/electrochemist
ry/ELEC/l2fig/laminar.gif
Bicycle Aerodynamics
Bicycle is responsible for 20-35% of drag.
Loose Clothing increases drag by up to 30%.
Bicycle Aerodynamics - Position
Positions
Goals: reduce frontal area & reduce drag coefficient
C
D
Frontal Area C
D
A Power to Overcome Drag
Tops 1.15 .55 m
2
.632 m
2
345 W
Hoods 1.0 .40 m
2
.40 m
2
220 W
Drops .88 .36 m
2
.32 m
2
176 W
Bicycle Aerodynamics - Position
Drag Coefficients Figure from Bicycling Science pg. 188
Bicycle Aerodynamics - Position
Rearward vs. Forward position (23.57 22.28 N drag)
Forward seat position
decreases drag at the expense
of comfort and pedaling
mechanics.
Union Cycliste Internationale
limits the fore-aft position of
the saddle requiring it be at
least 5 cm behind the bottom
bracket spindle
Injury preventive measure
Image and caption from Road Cycling Handbook
Bicycle Aerodynamics
Fairings







Reduce Drag Coefficient up to 50 %
http://www.lightningbikes.com/sf40blu.jpg Image from Bicycling Science pg. 191
Bicycle Aerodynamics - Drafting
Drafting
http://pro.corbis.com/images/AX93354
8.jpg?size=67&uid={51D3B79C-B5D0-
4A72-B318-B002D5C78EBC}
Traveling close behind
another rider
Broken up air vortices
propel second rider
Offers advantage to
both front and rear
rider
Riders in group
expend 40% less
energy than solo
riders

Bicycle Aerodynamics - Drafting
Drafting
Negative drag propels object
forward at close distances(~
1 diameter and under)
Image from Bicycling Science pg. 199
Bicycle Aerodynamics - Drafting
Drafting





No advantage
to side by side
drafting.
Aerodynamic interference of two side by side struts.
Image from Bicycling Science pg. 201
Higher C
D
occurs at
distances less than the
of the width of the strut
(or rider)
Bicycle Aerodynamics -Crosswinds
Aerodynamic drag is usually calculated assuming
calm weather
Crosswinds create aerodynamic moments and
instability.





CP (point of action of aerodynamic forces) should be
behind the CG for maximum stability.
F
crosswind
F
crosswind
CG
CG CP
CP
stable
instable
References
"Efluids bicycle aerodynamics." EFluids. 04 Apr. 09
<http://www.efluids.com/efluids/pages/bicycle.htm>.
Gregor, Robert J. Road Cycling - Handbook of Sports
Medicine and Science. Malden: Oxford, 2000.
Munson, Bruce R., Donald F. Young, and Theodore H.
Okiishi. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. 5th ed. Jon
Wiley & Sons, 2006.
Tamai, Goro. The Leading Edge - Aerodynamic Design of
Ultra-streamlined Land Vehicles. Cambridge: Robert
Bentley Publihsers, 1999.
Wilson, David G., and Jim Papadopoulos. Bicycling
Science. 3rd ed. MIT P, 2004.