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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 ()
Specific weight () Specific Gravity (SG)
Velocity Gradient

Viscosity ()

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
F = m Conservation of Energy Conservation of Mass

http://pico1.e.ft.fontys.nl/aot/newton.jpg

Fluid Mechanics & Dynamics

Continuity equation Mass is conserved V1A1=V2A2
V1 A1 A2 V2

Bernoulli equation P1+1/2 V12 +z1 = P2+1/2 V22 +z2 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 = V2/2gc
gc = 32.174 lbm-ft/lbf-s2

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
http://www.cheng.cam.ac.uk/research/groups/electrochem/JAVA/electrochemist ry/ELEC/l2fig/laminar.gif

Laminar

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 Tops Hoods Drops 1.15 1.0 .88 Frontal Area .55 m2 .40 m2 .36 m2 CDA .632 m2 .40 m2 .32 m2 Power to Overcome Drag 345 W 220 W 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

http://pro.corbis.com/images/AX93354 8.jpg?size=67&uid={51D3B79C-B5D04A72-B318-B002D5C78EBC}

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
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.

CG CP stable CP

Fcrosswind
CG

Fcrosswind
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.