Aerodynamic test results of bicycle helmets in different configurations: Towards a responsive design

Novak, J; Burton, D; Crouch, T

Aerodynamic test results of bicycle helmets in different configurations: Towards a responsive design

Novak, J

Burton, D Crouch, T

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 2019, 233 (2), pp. 268 - 276
Issue Date:: 2019-06-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Novak, J https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4082-4322	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Burton, D	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Crouch, T	en_US
dc.date.issued	2019-06-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 2019, 233 (2), pp. 268 - 276	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1754-3371	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/129505
dc.description.abstract	© IMechE 2019. Within the sport of cycling, aerodynamic efficiency is a fundamental criterion for equipment such as bicycle frames, wheels, clothing and helmets. Emerging technologies continually challenge the rules governing the sport as designers, engineers, sports scientists and athletes attempt to gain the edge on their competition. This study compares three-dimensional (3D) printed bicycle helmet prototypes with three commercially available helmets via aerodynamic testing in a wind tunnel. One 3D printed helmet featured a mechanical mechanism allowing two states of ventilation closure to be examined for aerodynamic efficiency, while the other featured electronically adjustable ventilation openings tested at five different states of ventilation closure. Data were collected using an anthropometrically accurate mannequin sitting atop a bicycle in a road-cycling position. The results found that the mechanically controlled prototype offered a 4.1% increase in overall drag experienced by the mannequin with ventilation in the open position compared to the closed position. The electronic prototype showed an increase in drag as ventilation openings increased through the five states, with an overall difference in drag of 3.7% between closed and the maximum opening. These experimental findings indicate that the responsive helmet prototypes can significantly affect the drag force on a cyclist between their closed and open positions and, when understood as being adaptable using sensors and automated controls, may provide new opportunities to modify athlete performance throughout varying stages of training and competition.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1177/1754337118822613	en_US
dc.title	Aerodynamic test results of bicycle helmets in different configurations: Towards a responsive design	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	2	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	233	en_US
utslib.for	0913 Mechanical Engineering	en_US
utslib.for	090302 Biomechanical Engineering	en_US
utslib.for	09 Engineering	en_US
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building/School of Design
utslib.copyright.status	open_access
pubs.issue	2	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	233	en_US

Abstract:

© IMechE 2019. Within the sport of cycling, aerodynamic efficiency is a fundamental criterion for equipment such as bicycle frames, wheels, clothing and helmets. Emerging technologies continually challenge the rules governing the sport as designers, engineers, sports scientists and athletes attempt to gain the edge on their competition. This study compares three-dimensional (3D) printed bicycle helmet prototypes with three commercially available helmets via aerodynamic testing in a wind tunnel. One 3D printed helmet featured a mechanical mechanism allowing two states of ventilation closure to be examined for aerodynamic efficiency, while the other featured electronically adjustable ventilation openings tested at five different states of ventilation closure. Data were collected using an anthropometrically accurate mannequin sitting atop a bicycle in a road-cycling position. The results found that the mechanically controlled prototype offered a 4.1% increase in overall drag experienced by the mannequin with ventilation in the open position compared to the closed position. The electronic prototype showed an increase in drag as ventilation openings increased through the five states, with an overall difference in drag of 3.7% between closed and the maximum opening. These experimental findings indicate that the responsive helmet prototypes can significantly affect the drag force on a cyclist between their closed and open positions and, when understood as being adaptable using sensors and automated controls, may provide new opportunities to modify athlete performance throughout varying stages of training and competition.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/129505