On-site drafting aerodynamics of cyclists using the Ring of Fire

Aerodynamics plays a significant role in the field of cycling as it is the dominant resistive force at racing speeds of 50 km/h. Sporting events involving multiple cyclists leads to aerodynamic interactions between the cyclists and these interactions have been exploited for performance benefits. One such aerodynamic interaction is drafting,...

Accuracy assessment of the Ring of Fire system for on-site aerodynamic drag measurements

The continuous pursuit of reducing drag in many speed sports, such as cycling and ice-skating, demands novel approaches to gain further insight into flow phenomena around athletes. In recent years, the Ring of Fire measurement technique has emerged as a feasible option to visualise and analyse flow structures of transiting objects based on...

Advances and assessment of the Ring of Fire concept for on-site cycling aerodynamics

Aerodynamics investigations in speed sports generally consist of measurements of aerodynamic loads through wind tunnel experiments. Lately, a new technique has emerged, known as the Ring of Fire. It is the only drag measurement technique capable of retrieving flow field data on-site, by using Large-Scale PIV. In this Ring-of-Fire project a Low...