Aerodynamic drag reduction of a racing motorcycle through vortex generation

The aerodynamic drag of a racing-class motorcycle can be accomplished through either an overall redesign of the surfaces or through some type of flow control mechanism. Due to limitations on the size of the exterior shape the flow control techniques are more practical. Small metal vanes, known as vortex generators were used in this research to mix higher energy freestream air with the lower energy boundary layer, delaying boundary layer growth and separation. In testing performed in the West Virginia University Closed Loop Wind Tunnel a maximum reduction of 118 drag counts (10.1%) was measured. Due to an abnormally high blockage ratio tests were conducted Old Dominion University's Langley Full Scale Tunnel. The same configurations resulted in no measurable reduction, however it is believed that given adequate time in this testing facility that a configuration could be found to produce a drag reduction.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2002

Author dc:creator

• Angle, Gerald M., II

• Mechanical engineering

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1274

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-2277