Aerodynamic test results of bicycle helmets in different configurations: towards a responsive design Citation of the final article: Novak, James, Burton, David and Crouch, Timothy 2019, Aerodynamic test results of bicycle helmets in different configurations: towards a responsive design, Proceedings of the institution of mechanical engineers, Part P: Journal of sports engineering and technology, vol. 233, no. 2, pp. 268–276. Published in its final form at https://doi.org/10.1177/1754337118822613. This is the accepted manuscript. © 2019, IMechE Downloaded from DRO: http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30120560 DRO Deakin Research Online, Deakin University’s Research Repository Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B Aerodynamic Test Results of Bicycle Helmets in Different Configurations: Towards a Responsive Design James Novak1, David Burton2, Timothy Crouch2 1Product Design, University of Technology Sydney, Australia 2Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Australia Corresponding Author: James Novak Product Design, School of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia Email:
[email protected] Abstract Within the sport of cycling, aerodynamic efficiency is a fundamental criterion for equipment such as bicycle frames, wheels, clothing and helmets. Emerging technologies continually challenge the rules governing the sport as designers, engineers, sports scientists and athletes attempt to gain the edge on their competition. This study compares the aerodynamic drag force of three 3D-printed bicycle helmet prototypes with three commercially available helmets via aerodynamic testing in a wind tunnel. One 3D printed helmet featured a mechanical mechanism allowing two states of ventilation to be examined for aerodynamic efficiency, while another featured electronically adjustable ventilation tested at five different states of ventilation opening.