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ILoveParticlePhysics
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You can try this at home!
The article itself stated that gyroscopic reactions play very little role in the self stability of a bike (bicycle or motorcycle). The key factor for a typical bike is a steering geometry that tends to steer the front wheel inwards if the bike is leaned. The most common method for this is called trail, if you extend an imaginary axis from the steering axis of the front wheel, it intercepts the ground ahead of the contact patch of the tire. When a bike is leaned, there is Newton third law pair of forces, the tire exerts a downwards force onto the pavement, the pavement exerts an upwards force on the leaned tire, behind the pivot axis, which causes the front tire to steer inwards. Depending on the amount of trail, there is some minimum speed for self-stability.Nugatory said:There’s a pretty good explanation at http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Mechanics/bicycle.html
Behind the contact patch, surely? The front forks curve forwards. Or am I misunderstanding something?rcgldr said:if you extend an imaginary axis from the steering axis of the front wheel, it intercepts the ground ahead of the contact patch of the tire.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_and_motorcycle_geometryIbix said:Behind the contact patch, surely? The front forks curve forwards. Or am I misunderstanding something?
ILoveParticlePhysics said:Why do things with wheels get more balanced as velocity increases?
Right - forgot about the slope of the steering column. Thanks.A.T. said:
Are you not born to wild?Ibix said:Right - forgot about the slope of the steering column.
I did have one of these as a kid, but no, I don't think I'm sufficiently cool to ride that...A.T. said:
As velocity increases, the rotational inertia of the wheels also increases. This means that the wheels are less likely to tip over or lose balance due to external forces. Additionally, the faster the wheels are spinning, the more angular momentum they have, providing a stabilizing force.
The shape of the wheel plays a crucial role in its balance at high velocities. A wheel with a larger radius has a higher rotational inertia, making it more stable at high speeds. Additionally, a wheel with a wider base or larger contact patch with the ground will have more stability compared to a narrow wheel.
Yes, the weight of the wheel can impact its balance at high velocities. A heavier wheel will have a higher rotational inertia, making it more stable. However, if the wheel is too heavy, it may also be more difficult to accelerate, resulting in slower speeds.
The surface on which the wheel is rolling can have a significant impact on its balance at high velocities. A smooth and flat surface will provide less resistance and allow the wheel to maintain its balance more easily. On the other hand, a rough or uneven surface can cause the wheel to lose balance and potentially tip over.
Yes, there are other factors that can affect the balance of wheels at high velocities. These include the air resistance or drag on the wheel, the distribution of weight on the wheel, and the type of material the wheel is made of. All of these factors can impact the rotational inertia and stability of the wheel at high speeds.