The design of a human-powered vehicle
Abstract
Human power applied through a bicycle is perhaps the most efficient means of transport available today. Aerodynamic drag, however, limits the speed possible from the man/bicycle combination. An aerodynamically efficient body enclosing the system can reduce the drag and permit increased speeds. A study was conducted to determine an efficient body design for a high-speed bicycle. Wind tunnel and potential flow studies were conducted to evaluate the drag and lift characteristics of proposed shell designs. A proposed bicycle/shell design is presented.
- Publication:
-
AIAA, Aerospace Sciences Meeting
- Pub Date:
- January 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983aiaa.meetZ....W
- Keywords:
-
- Aerodynamic Drag;
- Drag Reduction;
- Potential Flow;
- Structural Design;
- Surface Vehicles;
- Wind Tunnel Tests;
- Computerized Simulation;
- Flow Distribution;
- Flow Visualization;
- Pressure Gradients;
- Engineering (General)