The Effect of a Flywheel on the Stability of a Riderless Bicycle

Abstract

This project assesses the effect that a flywheel has on the stability of a bicycle using multibody dynamics. The bicycle is assumed to be riderless and moving in a forward and upright position. In the case of this study, ‘stability’ refers to a state of self- stability where the bicycle will not fall over or capsize. The method of analysis generates stability charts which are plots of the eigenvalues relating to the stability modes of the bicycle. A stable velocity range of the bicycle can be determined from these charts. It was found that the stable range of the bicycle was increased due to the addition of the flywheel by approximately 1 m/s. The stable velocity range for a standard bicycle was between 4.3 and 6 m/s and and the stable range for the flywheel bicycle model was between 4 and 6.7 m/s. It was also found that increasing the mass or the radius of the flywheel also increased stability.