Tag: Wind Tunnel

Louis Garneau Sets Course With Aero Helmet

Louis-Garneau-CourseWhen hitting the road sometimes you want to feel like you could take flight and this is where “aero” helmets come into play. The LG Course Aero resembles a regular road-ready helmet, with large massive vents, but Louis Garneau maintains it has aerodynamic performance that can’t be beat.

The helmet was created through extensive research at the Canadian National Research Council’s low speed wind tunnel facility, while Computational Fluid Dynamics Software was called into play to create a superior aerodynamic performance.

It features in-mold construction, with integrated strap system that provides support and protection while still retaining its lightweight status. It offers evacuation channels to increase airflow and wick moisture away, while the Spiderlock PRO II provides a snug yet comfortable fit.

Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (5.12.12): Olympic Debacle, Wind Tunneling, New Bar Sport

Eye of the Beholder

The construction of a new park at the site of the 2012 London Olympics is well underway but will not fully open to the public until at least one and a half years after this summer’s games are complete.

On Friday, officials declared the completion of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s centerpiece, the Orbit — a 377-foot tower of twisted steel that gives visitors stunning panoramic views of the city. But the structure — which somewhat resembles the Eiffel Tower — is already receiving criticism from the host nation. Olympics organizers previously faced backlash over the cyclops mascots for the 2012 games, ticket policies and the bright, flashy logo.

From The Washington Post: London 2012 Olympics: Orbit tower complete and already drawing criticism Continue reading Weekend Reading List (5.12.12): Olympic Debacle, Wind Tunneling, New Bar Sport

Wind Tunnel Testing Not Just Full of Hot Air

Wind tunnels have long been a key research tool used in aerodynamic research, and is a way to study the effects of air moving past solid objects.  Among the most common uses has been for airplanes, although the first wind tunnels actually date back to the 18th century – long before man believed it possible to achieve flight. But without a wind tunnel the Wright brothers probably couldn’t have developed their first aeroplane.

Today computer models have begun to replicate much of what a wind tunnel can do, but despite this fact wind tunnels remain relevant tools for testing. This is notable in the fitness world with bicycles. In fact, according to some developers wind tunnel testing is actually becoming more and more important. Canadian bicycle manufacturer Cervélo has released its latest findings from tunnel testing of its latest line of bikes.

The company reportedly has 14 years of wind tunnel experience, and called in JT Lyons of Slowtwitch.com to watch, document and input all of the testing procedures, which the company has since published online. According to these findings the Cervélo P4 is the fastest bike available – with or without its proprietary areo bottle. The study is interesting, and despite being somewhat detailed, certainly isn’t long winded in the least.

Slowtwich.com: P4 in the Tunnel