Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2002
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Angle, Gerald M. II, "Aerodynamic drag reduction of a racing motorcycle through vortex generation" (2002). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1274.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1274
