Abstract des Autors

Cyclists know that extra weight slows them down and that aerodynamic efficiency can speed them up. But increased aerodynamic efficiency often entails extra weight, for example for fairing or recumbent frame designs. This chapter describes a method I have developed to calculate trade-offs between aerodynamic efficiency and weight under a wide variety of riding conditions, including the power of the rider, the slope of the ground, and the frequency of the stops. One surprising result is that for a typical HPV under typical riding conditions, a small percentage reduction in vehicle's weight is just as beneficial - in terms of overall efficiency - as the same percentage reduction in aerodynamic drag. This fact could be quite useful to designers because at this stage of HPV evolution, shaving off a few pounds of weight might be easier than improving the aerodynamic efficiency of a fully faired vehicle. Verf.-Referat