IEM MDP: Colloquium, Hessel Hartmans

Title

Optimization of aerodynamic bicycle wheels design using CFD analysis.

Panel

1st supervisor: Dr. A.A. (Albert) Geertsema

2nd supervisor: Prof. A.I. (Antonis) Vakis

Company supervisor: Mr. R. (Rik) van Putten

Abstract

Aerodynamic drag in bicycle time trial races is the main form of friction pushing back on the rider. Professional cyclists therefore always require the highest aerodynamic performance for their material. This study aims to find and optimize the best wheel design for a bicycle in time trial races using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.

The rear wheels used in time trials are always disc wheels (closed wheels), and the front wheels are open and have regular spokes. This study focuses on which of the existing designs of the front wheels has the least amount of aerodynamic drag. Additionally, it provides an optimization study and redesign for the rear disc wheel.

A CFD model is constructed which attempts to approximate the fluid flow conditions around a wheel that are seen in the real world. This model is used for evaluating the front wheels for performance and optimizing the performance of the rear disc wheel.

The results of the study show that the movement of the market towards wheels with regular spokes is not based on aerodynamic performance. For lower yaw angles, the aerodynamic performance seems to be worse by an average of 6.8% when compared to 3- or 5-spoke wheels. The optimization of the disc wheel resulted in a new design which is competitive in the market when compared to other brands; however, the performance gain is marginal and therefore these changes will only be included in the new wheel when it will be updated at the end of the year.

Additional Info.

Please confirm your participation to Betsy van Rooij-Oldenboom (j.e.van.rooijoldenboom@rug.nl). She will put your name on the attendance list (RED BOOK) after the colloquium is finished.