Test protocols disruptive technology

part 1.

Controlled environment & real world aerodynamic testing protocols are both critical in obtaining repeatable consistent and reliable data. Over the last years technology has enabled us to develop highly accurate engineering grade instruments that are achieving wind tunnel calibrated accuracy outdoors.

1. How reliable and how do test protocols play a massive part in acquiring correct data?

Aerolab tech is confidently achieving comparable calibrated data accuracy to a wind tunnel. Calculated detectable changes in CdA at various wind speeds with their associated grams of drag brings Aerolab tech into a new dimension of real world testing. ?We can confidently state that with CdA convergence of accuracy through repeatability, performing an extrapolation we are able to use the consistent data gathered to fit the convergence of the error and determine what the variance is between our final CdA and the value at infinity.?The repeatability we achieve and the more stable the rider the lesser variance we are achieving....

2. What should you be aware of to achieve an optimal aerodynamic test protocol and how is the data acquisition showing a correct interpretation to what you are trying to achieve in a specific environment?

In most cases a test protocol designed for a new product development requires confirmation of CfD modelling, over the last 15years wind tunnel testing has become a popular confirmation of CfD findings. Recently more and more demand has come for real world testing, with velodrome tests and now ultimately an outdoor test to confirm controlled environment findings in a real world...

Going outdoors.Where do we start? Baseline testing is of up most importance to confirm an understanding of current product or positioning of an athlete. "A fast helmet in a wind tunnel is only as fast as the rider can mould the product to their position". Predetermine a baseline test with a bike fit, a stable position, a sustainable position for accurate testing. Fix a constant as for pacing (gearing, cadence, power) in your test protocol to create repeatability and consistency within a realistic sustainability, to achieve an understanding of product or dynamic position at variable speeds.

Choose a location that your tests are not disturbed by traffic, tight corners, braking areas, areas where riders have to come out of position. Mark out your course so to create landmarks or areas that are clear to the rider when they are in the test zone or out of the test zone. Try to obtain bio-markers that correlate to your aerodynamic adaptations. See that the road surface is consistent meaning for example no extreme changes for example cobbles and then smooth road surfaces. Unless of course you are performing Crr tests :)

Testing equipment & position checks:

• Athlete consistency is crucial, the more stable & repeatable runs you can create the more accuracy you will achieve in your data acquisition
• Accurate power measurements are critical in achieving consistency, calibrate, new batteries, strain gauge PM
• Accurate GPS and wheel speed data convergence
• Roll out, tyre pressures, tyre and wheel dimensions
• Body dynamics, shape of the rider, stability, sustainability
• Combined weight, bike and rider
• Bike geometry set up
• Equipment changes at different speeds and repeat, repeat , repeat.....

Part 2. setting up a test outdoors, check in to my bi-weekly newsletter for the next stage of your real-world test protocol.