Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-m8qmq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-19T10:49:33.031Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Drag kings: characterizing large-scale flows in cycling aerodynamics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 April 2014

A. E. Hosoi
A. E. Hosoi*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
*
†Email address for correspondence: peko@mit.edu
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

In their recent publication Crouch et al. (J. Fluid Mech., this issue, vol. 748, 2014, pp. 5–35) use wind tunnel experiments to quantify the large-scale vortical structures that develop as a cyclist progresses through a full rotation of the pedals. The authors identify asymmetries in the trailing vortex wake, which intensify as one leg straightens, as the primary source of drag variation over one pedal cycle. These new data suggest that targeted approaches to mitigate asymmetries in the trailing wake present an intriguing opportunity to reduce drag in cycling strategies and technologies.

JFM classification

Flow Control: Drag reduction Vortex Flows: Vortex shedding
Type
Focus on Fluids
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 748 , 10 June 2014 , pp. 1 - 4
Copyright
© 2014 Cambridge University Press 

References

Crouch, T. N., Burton, D., Brown, N. A. T., Thompson, M. C. & Sheridan, J. 2014 Flow topology in the wake of a cyclist and its effect on aerodynamic drag. J. Fluid Mech 748, 5–35.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kyle, C. R. 1979 Reduction of wind resistance and power output of racing cyclists and runners travelling in groups. Ergonomics 22 (4), 387–397.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Parker, J. F. & West, V. R. 1973 Bioastronautics Data Book, 2nd edn. NASA SP-3006.Google Scholar
Vogt, S., Schumacher, Y. O., Roecker, K., Dickhuth, H. H., Schoberer, U., Schmid, A. & Heinrich, L. 2007 Power output during the Tour de France. Intl J. Sports Med. 28, 756–761.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Wilson, D. G. 2004 Bicycling Science. MIT Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar