A talk given for the UC Davis Mechanical and Aeronautical Seminar Series in the Spring of 2010.



The Bicycle, Solar Cars and Human Powered Aircraft.

What a way to Travel!



Chester R. Kyle Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering,

California State University, Long Beach



The bicycle is a remarkably sophisticated machine, and yet it is relatively inexpensive, simple to work on and can be the basis for some fascinating yet surprisingly economic research. This seminar describes technical details of some of the cycling and sports related projects Chester Kyle has participated in since 1972.



Among the projects were: The development of high speed pedal powered bicycles that have exceeded 80 mph on the level with no wind on 600 watts of human power. The design of aerodynamic time trial bicycles for the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The development of aerodynamic "Swift" suits for Nike which were used by Olympic gold medalists in running and speed skating and by the winner of the Tour de France. In these sports, wind tunnel testing has been a key element in improving equipment and athletic performance.



Kyle designed the wheels, tires and brakes of the GM Solar Car the Sunraycer, winner of the first World Solar Challenge and was a consultant on Paul MacCready's human powered aircraft, the Gossamer Condor, winner of the Kremer Prize.

Credits

Film by the UC Davis Engineering distance learning program.

Addeddate 2010-05-18 17:38:07 Closed captioning no Color color Ia_orig__runtime 56 minutes 13 seconds Identifier ChetKyleOn Run time 56:13 Sound sound Year 2010