Aerobars Position Effect: What is the Interaction Between Aerodynamic Drag and Power Production?

TL;DR

This study investigates how aerobars positioning affects cycling speed by analyzing the interaction between aerodynamic drag and power output using digital twin modeling, CFD simulations, and biomechanical analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a digital twin approach to evaluate the impact of aerobars position on aerodynamics and power, integrating biomechanical and fluid dynamics analyses.

Findings

Aerobars position significantly influences cycling speed.

Optimal aerobars position balances aerodynamic drag and power output.

Variations in speed depend on speed and slope angle.

Abstract

Extensive research has been dedicated to optimizing the cyclist's position on the bike to enhance aerodynamic performance. This study aims to further investigate the aerobars position effect on cycling speed. Drawing from previous work (Fintelman et al., 2015), a relationship is established between position variations and hip angle, a critical determinant of power output. Based on a 3D scan of an elite athlete on his Time Trial (TT) bike, a digital twin with upper body mobility is created, utilizing inverse kinematics with aerobars as a root. Adjustments to the aerobars position translate into alterations in the cyclist's upper body posture. These changes influence both aerodynamic drag -- quantified by Computational Fluid Dynamics method (CFD) -- and hip angle -- computed by 3D software, directly affecting the athlete's capacity for power generation. The interplay between aerodynamic efficiency and power output is analyzed, with varying parameters such as speed and slope angle considered to ascertain the optimal aerobar position for individual athletes in a specific cycling context. Results show impactful variations in cycling speed as a function of the aerobars position, the latter having a strong influence on aerodynamic drag and theoretical power production.