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General Information
The wind
tunnel offers testing for both bicycles and the cyclists
themselves. The main type of testing includes the
entire bicycle, either with or without the cyclist.
The wind speed and direction are changed throughout the
scheduled testing time frame to provide an array of force
and moment data from the external balance for analysis.
Additionally, the smoke generator can be utilized for flow
visualization about the bicycle or cyclist. An upgrade
to bicycle testing is in development to determine the power
output of the cyclist during testing.
Smoke is used for flow visualization about a cyclist during
a test.
The wheels
themselves can also be tested for force and moment data or
flow visualization. Currently, a new system is being
developed to measure aerodynamic power requirements on
bicycle wheels.
A wheel being tested with smoke for flow visualization.
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Mounting Information
Bicycles and bicycles with cyclists are
mounted in the wind tunnel using the same method.
Two struts are used to hold the bicycle in place. The
front strut is attached to the hub of the front wheel, while
the rear strut is attached to the frame of the bicycle.
Bicycle being mounted in wind tunnel.
Bicycle mounted in wind tunnel with cyclist during testing.
For tests on only the wheel of the bicycle,
the mount for the front wheel of the full bicycle (shown
above) is used. A more detailed picture of this mount
is shown below.
Detail of the wheel-only mounting mechanism. The mount
is shown with the wind tunnel floor removed.
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