Aerodynamic Sensitivity Analysis of the Symmetric Generic Cyclist Model
An Experimental Study
F.I. Vermeulen (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
A. Sciacchitano – Mentor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
B.W. van Oudheusden – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
L.T. Lima Pereira – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in cycling, as most of the resistance a cyclist must overcome is drag. The aerodynamic performance of cyclists has been investigated in multiple experiments all around the world to understand the aerodynamics and reduce the drag. To improve the cycling aerodynamic knowledge and understanding, a Generic Cyclist Model (GCM) is created. The original Generic Cyclist Model is placed in a time trial with an asymmetrical leg position. This work broadens the aerodynamic knowledge by investigating the GCM with a symmetrical leg position. The aerodynamic sensitivity of the Symmetric Generic Cyclist Model and the differences compared to the Asymmetric GCM are analysed based on the influences of the leg position, Reynolds number variation, crosswind and the addition of flow control devices.
The wind tunnel experiment used force balances and 3D particle image velocimetry to analyse the aerodynamic performances; drag area, and flow fields of the cyclist.
The experiment indicates that the leg position has a significant influence on the aerodynamic performance, with the symmetric leg position yielding a lower drag area. This indicates that the legs have a great influence on the overall aerodynamic performance of the cyclist. The velocity and vorticity flow fields show a leg wake reduction and weakened repositioned vortices. The Reynolds number variations and the introduction of crosswind have a great influence on the drag area and flow fields of the cyclist. Showing that high velocities and crosswind are beneficial for drag area reductions for the Symmetrical GCM. Furthermore, the addition of flow control devices is beneficial for drag area reduction.