GRADES 9-12
AERODYNAMICS OF CYCLING

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Aerodynamic Forces Forces: What Is A Force? Have you ever played the game "tug-of-war" or "arm wrestled" with someone? In tug-of-war, one person (or team) holds one end of a rope. Another person or team of people holds the other end of the rope. Then, at the same time, both groups PULL on their end of the rope. Who wins? The group that can pull the rope with the most force wins. Similarly, in arm wrestling, the person who pushes their opponent's arm down by applying the most force wins. With Permission and Courtesy Of Cislunar Aerospace, Inc. In our example of "tug-of-war," you can see that the forces (the pushes and pulls) are acting in two directions: right and left. Now, look at the next picture below. The team on the right is pulling to the right and the team on the left is pulling to the left. However, the team on the right is winning. The team on the left is being pulled over the line. With Permission and Courtesy Of Cislunar Aerospace, Inc. What do you think would happen if the forces acted on our tug-of-war teams in more directions, not just from the left and the right? What direction would the players move if forces also came from above, below, in front, and behind the tug-of-war teams?