Science fair ideas and cycling

[mcallen]

My 8th grader has to design another science fair project this year, and we were thinking that we could work on something bike-related. Any ideas, research questions, etc. would be most welcome.

I have lots of bikes and wheels, some trainers, a set of rollers, a power meter, old helmets, and a mix of tools and power tools.

[mhespenheide]

[1] Compare the power versus wheel speed of various tires to see about rolling resistance. Or for the same brand/model of tires at different widths.

[2] Try to replicate some of Jan Heine's experiments.

[kppolich]

My 8th grader has to design another science fair project this year, and we were thinking that we could work on something bike-related. Any ideas, research questions, etc. would be most welcome.

I have lots of bikes and wheels, some trainers, a set of rollers, a power meter, old helmets, and a mix of tools and power tools.

bicycle powered blender and make smoothies for everyone.

[Steve in SLO]

Put a bicycle on a trainer with a generator and have kids jump on and light up a lightbulb.

[zennmotion]

gyroscopic effects/centripetal force- how does a bicycle stay upright, how it turns etc. Holding a spinning front wheel while standing on a spinning pedestal is a good hands-on demonstration.

[zennmotion]

bicycle powered blender and make smoothies for everyone.

I don't think the school is the olympic training center.

[Louis]

https://i.makeagif.com/media/8-13-2015/4JQQms.gif

[2LeftCleats]

Determine scientifically which is better, Shimano or Campy. This would be Nobel Prize worthy.

[stephenmarklay]

1. Demonstrate how a spoked wheel’s tension creates a strong structure.

2. Use simple electronic software/hardware to measure spoke tension with via vibration frequency.

[Steve in SLO]

Determine scientifically which is better, Shimano or Campy. This would be Nobel Prize worthy.

Scientifically speaking, I feel Campy is better.

[Louis]

Scientifically speaking, I feel Campy is better.

Fake Science !!!

[mcallen]

I don't think the school is the olympic training center.

Hmm... maybe I could start a training center in my garage over the winter. Power testing and training on my kids in the name of science to get them ready to ride with in the spring. n=2

[Louis]

I got it - a complete analysis of counter-steering.

https://ai2-s2-public.s3.amazonaws.com/figures/2017-08-08/e7fc5b797446237d6d8fe6667f6e548e626b5b3c/2-Figure1-1.png

[Louis]

Or, why people no longer think that 19mm tires are fast.

[Louis]

Ooooo, ooooo, ooooo - I got it:

Either what the best chain lube is, and why, OR, whether one should rotate through multiple cassettes as you replace the chain.

[stephenmarklay]

I got it - a complete analysis of counter-steering.

https://ai2-s2-public.s3.amazonaws.com/figures/2017-08-08/e7fc5b797446237d6d8fe6667f6e548e626b5b3c/2-Figure1-1.png

I think that’s a good one. Counterintuitive stuff is fun.

[mcallen]

I think that’s a good one. Counterintuitive stuff is fun.

I see potential with this, both for project and for teaching me boyos something useful about cycling. Maybe something comparing turning vs. countersteering at different speeds to see how well a rider can follow a predetermined curve.
Perfect for getting ready for cross season, too!

If I recall correctly, there's even an old Sherlock Holmes story where this the solution has to do with turning vs. countersteering.

[Louis]

I think that’s a good one. Counterintuitive stuff is fun.

That's partly why I posted the gyro gif - magic!

[mhespenheide]

That's partly why I posted the gyro gif - magic!

Not magic; conservation of angular momentum!















Or, you know, maybe magic.

[Louis]

Not magic; conservation of angular momentum!



Or, you know, maybe magic.

Clarke's Third Law: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic:

(and this guy isn't even spinning !!!)

https://www.scarlettentertainment.com/sites/default/files/Levitating-Street-Performers1.jpg

[jwalther]

Demonstrate how red bikes are faster.