Benchmark of aerodynamic cycling helmets using a refined wind tunnel test protocol for helmet drag research

The study of aerodynamics is very important in the world of cycling. Wind tunnel research is conducted on most of the equipment that is used by a rider and is a critical factor in the advancement of the sport. However, to date, a comprehensive study of time-trial helmets has not been performed. This thesis presents aerodynamic data for the most commonly used time-trial helmets in professional cycling. The helmets were tested at a sweep of yaw angles, from 0⁰ to 15⁰, in increments of 5⁰. The helmets were tested at three head angle positions at each yaw angle in order to best mimic actual riding conditions. A control road helmet was used to serve as a comparative tool. In order to maintain manufacturer confidentiality, the helmets were all randomly assigned variables. Thus, the thesis presents ranges of benefit and drag numbers, but does not rank by helmet name. The testing results showed that aerodynamic helmets offer drag reduction over a standard road helmet. The best and the worst performing helmets are all more aerodynamic than a road helmet.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Sidelko, Stephanie

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Kim B. Blair.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40486

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/40486