Analysing Velodrome Cycle Racing using Witness Simulation

Latif, MN, Khalid, R and Burns, A (2017) Analysing Velodrome Cycle Racing using Witness Simulation. International Journal of Engineering Research and Allied Sciences (IJERAS), 2 (1). pp. 13-19. ISSN 2455-9660

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Abstract

This paper reports on a project that was centred on using simulation as a way to test to what extent speed affected the aerodynamic drag exerted on a cyclist. This was done by building a simulation model in which the user could adjust data to drive the Witness model and analyse what happens over the length of a race. Real data was gathered from four sessions at the National Cycling Centre, UK, in order to create an accurate model that could be run on Witness Simulation software. Using cadence values that were measured from an advanced cyclist, factors such as speed, lap times, section times and drag were measured. These were all affected by the energy of the rider as it decreased throughout the race. After varying the values for the cadence and the values for the drag force measured, it was observed that as the speed of the pedals increased, the drag on the rider increased substantially. After the cadence exceeds 130 rpm, it becomes inefficient to attempt to overcome the forces. This was similar to the range of cadences measured on the cyclist, which lead to the second conclusion that the model was an accurate simulation of the race track event.