Quote:
Originally Posted by sendler
Which brings me to another question. Which streamlined shape would be the best compromise for efficiency assuming frequent off axis wind vectors in the real world? A standard NACA airfoil? Or is there another formula that would be better in rough and off axis air?
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The lowest drag airfoil is depicted in the center image in the table below.It has a length to thickness ratio of 3.93:1,or 25.5% thickness.
You've got to have the facility to use body English to keep the bike balanced,which means you'll have to lean 'outside' the body at times,like Craig and Allen have been doing.
'Off-axis' would have a specified engineering target.There isn't a one-size-fits-all' solution.
Enclosed bikes are inherently unstable in gust and unless your willing to go to a trike,you'll have to be physically interactive with your riding environment if you're going to survive.
Unless you have a fortune to give the GALCIT folks at Cal Tech University,for design testing and engineering,shoot for zero-yaw streamlining with an eye on your ability to shift your body around.