An investigation of tandem cycling aerodynamics
Abstract eng: Aerodynamics have long been researched and optimised for elite able bodied cycling. Many aspects of aerodynamics (such as the phenomena of drafting and various athlete postures) are well understood, thanks to years of investigations in using different methodologies to obtain valid results. Individual optimisation for athletes is possible and conducted for athletes on a regular basis. However, similar research has not been conducted for para-cyclists. The difference in aerodynamic profiles between an able bodied solo rider and tandem cyclists can be substantial. Tandem aerodynamics can be improved significantly by modifying the postures of both the front athlete (pilot) and rear athlete (stoker), by changing cycling apparel and by developing more aerodynamics tandem bicycles. In this study, CFD simulations and wind-tunnel measurements are conducted to investigate tandem aerodynamics. 3D scanning methods were used to obtain detailed athlete geometrical models. It was estimated using RANS CFD simulations that the drag coefficient of 0.805 would represent a competitive tandem setup, using the 3-equation SST k-omega intermittency turbulence model for closure. Via wind-tunnel experiments, it was concluded that RANS simulations are a suitable means of analysing tandem cycling aerodynamics, with 0.9% and 13.35% deviations recorded for the pilot and stoker respectively.
Contributors:
Publisher:
l'Association pour l'Ingénierie du Vent
Conference Title:
Conference Title:
7th European and African Conference on Wind Engineering
Conference Venue:
Liège, BE
Conference Dates:
2017-07-04 / 2017-07-07
Rights:
Text je chráněný podle autorského zákona č. 121/2000 Sb.
Record appears in:
Record created 2017-07-24, last modified 2017-07-24
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