2026-09-23T14:55:03Z salford-repository.worktribe.com

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1389768 2026-06-07T04:26:22Z 084104101115105115 openaccess

Thesis An investigation of the aerodynamics of racing motorcycles The purpose of this thesis is to present a study onmotorcycle aerodynamics with particular regard to theperformance characteristics of faired and unfaired types inuse today for road racing and speed record attempts. Toachieve this, a wind tunnel procedure for the testing ofscale models was developed with emphasis on the problems involved in obtaining valid data from large model-to-tunnel area blockage ratios, (approximately 15'%).Following a review of the results, which included six aerodynamic force and moment coefficients and theirvariation with Reynolds number and yaw angle, a programme of drag reduction was pursued which approached the problem from two directions: firstly, by using simple bolt-on devices for conventional fairings, designed so as to obviate the need for major machine modifications and secondly, by a complete redesign of the motorcycle.� The latter involved the use of more efficient aerodynamic shapes and also achieved a reduction in frontal area without compromising rider comfort.The final result was a machine which would providegreatly enhanced racing performance through a dragreduction of approximately 40% and also lend itself to theincorporation of radical primary and secondary safetyfeatures, beneficial both an the track and public roads.Preliminary studies into a computational flow simulationas a first stage to the full prediction of fairing pressuredistribution are also included. The techniques exploredattempted to retain a reasonable accuracy of result withoutrecourse to excessive computer power or complicatedcalculations. This was achieved successfully with thesimple models considered, despite the highly separated nature of the simulated flow. Ellery, MK Doctoral (Level 8) 1985-04-01 oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1389768 University of Salford https://salford-repository.worktribe.com/output/1389768 1985 en Staff Only