Numerical study on the aerodynamic drag of drafting cyclist groups
نویسندگان
چکیده
This paper presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) investigation of the aerodynamic effects of drafting in cycling. In drafting, cyclists ride close behind each other to reduce aerodynamic drag. The CFD simulations for single cyclists and for a group of two cyclists are successfully compared with wind-tunnel measurements. Both CFD simulations and wind tunnel measurements show that also the leading cyclist experiences a drag reduction, which goes up to 3.1% for groups of four cyclists and more. For six or more similarly-sized cyclists riding closely behind each other, the position enjoying the largest drag reduction is the one-but-last position.
منابع مشابه
Surprises in cycling aerodynamics
Federal Lab. for Materials Testing and Research (Empa) Dübendorf Switzerland l 5 Bakala Academy Athletic Performance Center Univ. of Leuven Heverlee, Belgium Surprises in cycling aerodynamics T he greatest potential for improvement in cycling speed is aerodynamic” [1]. At racing speeds (about 54 km/h or 15 m/s in time trails), the aerodynamic resistance or drag is about 90% of the total resista...
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