The application of body scanning, numerical simulations and wind tunnel testing for the aerodynamic development of cyclists

The aerodynamic efficiency of an elite cyclist is often evaluated and optimised using either one or a combination of field testing, wind-tunnel testing and numerical simulation. This study focuses on the processes and limitations involved in using a body scan to produce an accurate geometry for input to numerical simulation, with validation through drag comparisons from wind-tunnel tests and vortical wake-flow features reported in previous experimental studies. Transitional Shear Stress Transport Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations based on the scanned geometry were undertaken for a 180 ° half crank cycle at 15 ° increments. The sectional drag force contributions of 23 body subparts are presented, documenting the contribution and variation of each body/cycle component over the cycle. These methods are evaluated and the limitations of the approaches are discussed. The results from the numerical simulation and the wind tunnel measured drag force were very similar, differing by approximately 1%-7% for various crank angles.
© Copyright 2021 Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology. SAGE Publications. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.

Aiheet: pyöräily aerodynamiikka simulointi tuulikanava analyysi
Aihealueet: kestävyys urheilu
Tagging: Bodyscanner Luftwiderstand
DOI: 10.1177/1754337120904258
Julkaisussa: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology
Julkaistu: 2021
Vuosikerta: 235
Numero: 4
Sivuja: 339-353
Julkaisutyypit: artikkeli
Kieli: englanti (kieli)
Taso: kehittynyt