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
Shear Force
Density (ρ)
Specific weight (γ) Velocity Gradient

Specific Gravity (SG)

Viscosity (μ) 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
•ΣF = mâ
•Conservation of Energy
•Conservation of Mass

http://pico1.e.ft.fontys.nl/aot/newton.jpg
Fluid Mechanics & Dynamics
Continuity equation
Mass is conserved V2
V1
V1A1=V2A2 A2
A1

Bernoulli equation
P1+1/2 ρV12 +γz1 = P2+1/2 ρV22 +γz2
Relationship between Pressure, Velocity, and Elevation
Based on conservation of linear momentum (Kinetic
Energy)
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 (a) Normal pressure and friction forces (b) Attached and
separated flow around a cylinder (c) Attached flow and
separation of fluid pressure recovery along a streamlined body

Figure from Bicycle Science pg. 174

Aerodynamics
Drag Coefficient
 CD = drag/(area x dynamic pressure)
Dynamic Pressure can be
approximated for speeds under 100
mi/h as:
 Dynamic pressure = ρV2/2gc
 gc = 32.174 lbm-ft/lbf-s2
Drag
 The force in the direction of relative
flow.
Propulsion power to overcome drag:
 Ŵ = 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

CD Frontal Area CD A Power to Overcome

Drag
Tops 1.15 .55 m2 .632 m2 345 W
Hoods 1.0 .40 m2 .40 m2 220 W
Drops .88 .36 m2 .32 m2 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

http://www.lightningbikes.com/sf40blu.jpg Image from Bicycling Science pg. 191

Reduce Drag Coefficient up to 50 %

 Bicycle Aerodynamics - Drafting
Drafting
Traveling close
behind another rider
Broken up air vortices
propel second rider
Offers advantage to
both front and rear
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8.jpg?size=67&uid={51D3B79C-B5D0- rider
4A72-B318-B002D5C78EBC}
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

Higher CD occurs at
distances less than the
of the width of the strut
(or rider)

No advantage
to side by side
drafting.
Aerodynamic interference of two side by side struts.
Image from Bicycling Science pg. 201
Bicycle Aerodynamics -Crosswinds
Aerodynamic drag is usually calculated assuming
calm weather
Crosswinds create aerodynamic moments and
instability.
CP Fcrosswind
CG
Fcrosswind
CP CG

stable instable

CP (point of action of aerodynamic forces) should be

behind the CG for maximum stability.
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.