Comparison of the aerodynamic performance of four racing bicycle wheels by means of CFD calculations

Aerodynamic drag is the main source of losses in cycling so improving the bicycle aerodynamic is a fundamental key factor to increase the performance. The aim of this work is to assess the capability of CFD RANS simulations to predict the aerodynamic performance of modern racing bicycle wheels. This paper describes the design and development of a numerical model for the resolution of the airflow field surrounding four different racing wheels. Drag and side forces are resolved and compare to experimental data (and other simulation results) taken from the literature.