Faculty Advisor
Scarpino, Christopher
Abstract
This project is about the stability of a motorcycle with a side car, and a two-wheel bicycle, under various dynamic conditions. For the motorcycle with a side car, conditions were obtained that guarantee directional, lateral, and rollover stability. The self-stability of a bicycle was studied with gyroscopic effects removed. The values of parameters were found that maximize the velocity range for uncontrolled stability. To study the controlled stability of a bicycle, we viewed it as inverted pendulum. The main idea is to operate the handlebar so as to create force identical to the force that appears due to vertical oscillations of a pivot stabilizing an inverted pendulum. As a result, the bicycle can be stabilized for forward velocities above certain limit.
Publisher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
May 2012
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
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Accessibility
Unrestricted
Advisor Department
Mechanical Engineering