Tire dependence for the aerodynamics of yawed bicycle wheels

The aerodynamic characteristics of a modern road cycling wheel in cross wind are studied through force- and planar PIV measurements in the TU Delft Open Jet Facility. The performance of the 62 mm deep rim is evaluated for three tire profiles, and yaw angles up to 24°. All measurements are executed at 12.5 m/s (45 km/h) freestream- and wheel...

Experimental investigation of the effects of mudflaps on wheel aerodynamics by means of a simulated moving ground

This work provides a foundation for designing aerodynamic mudflaps used in heavy-duty vehicles, which will help these vehicles become greener. First, a simulated moving ground consisting of a leading edge, roller setup and a novel tangential blowing system was devised as an alternative to the expensive conveyor belts necessary for pertinent...

Aerodynamics of trailer wheels in tandem: Experimental investigation into the effects of wheel rotation, trailer side-skirts, and wheel cavity covers

The increasing importance of drag reduction in commercial vehicles, traditionally motivated by rising energy costs, and more recently accelerated through policymaking in a bid to reduce emissions, has resulted in the development of increasingly sophisticated add-on aerodynamic devices for the semi-trailer. Of these devices, the greatest uptake...

Aerodynamics of a cycling wheel in crosswind by coaxial volumetric velocimetry

The aerodynamic characteristics of a modern road cycling wheel in crosswind are studied through force measurements and 3D velocimetry in TU Delft’s Open Jet Facility. The performance of the 62 mm deep rim is evaluated for two tire profiles, and yaw angles up to 20◦ . All measurements are executed at 12.5 m/s (45 km/h) freestream- and wheel...