Aerodynamics of Bicycles

Abstract

Aerodynamics play a major rule in bicycle's performance, where a small difference in the air resistance can result in a significant performance difference. The sport of cycling is getting popular in the UAE. Therefore, a collaboration was done by Khalifa University and STRATA to design and manufacture a road bicycle using expired aerospace grade carbon fiber prepregs, which no longer can be used in manufacturing aircraft structures. A number of aerodynamic analyses were performed for this road bicycle in order to develop a fundamental understanding of its aerodynamics. Furthermore, aerodynamic modifications have been undertaken to improve the air resistance of the road bicycle, which is done by analyzing multiple airfoils and selecting one of them. The road bicycle was converted to an aero bicycle by changing the cross-sections of its round tubes with the chosen airfoil. The created aero bicycle was analyzed and found to offer a 29% lower drag coefficient than the road bicycle.

Date of Award	May 2020
Original language	American English