DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-SPEED, LOW-FORCE WIND TUNNEL DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM WITH AN APPLICATION TO BICYCLE FRONT FORK SPACING

This thesis encompassed the design, development, and application of a low-speed, low-force data acquisition system for the AIT 5-ft wind tunnel. The new data acquisition system was designed and developed to measure approximately 0.045 N (about 0.01 lbr) at nearly 64.4 km/h (40 mph). Verification of the capability was obtained through testing of a cylindrical model. As part of a technology transition program with Wright Laboratory, this new system was used to investigate bicycle front fork blade spacing in order to determine the optimal spacing for a minimum drag. As for the minimum drag of a bicycle with an adjustable-width front fork, the spacing should be kept to a minimum. The wind tunnel was deemed to have sufficiently smooth and steady flow for conducting low-speed research at or above 29 km/h (18 mph), the minimum tunnel velocity using the rear set of motors with the flow straightener positioned directly in front of the inlet.

• Corporate Authors:

  Air Force Institute of Technology

  Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
  Dayton, OH  United States  45433
• Authors:
  • Elledge, A W
• Publication Date: 1994-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 80 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bicycling; Data collection; Drag factor (Chemistry); Technology transfer; Traffic safety; Wind tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bicycle safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Drag factor
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Vehicles and Equipment; I95: Vehicle Inspection;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00716397
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: AFIT-GAE-ENY-94D-21
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 22 1996 12:00AM