Optimizing Speed Via Tire Pressure

by Daniel Spencer

Submitted : Fall 2013

This project will analyze at what PSI a tire must be inflated to optimize the speed of a bike. Timed tests will be held to determine the position of the bike as it coasts down a hill. The time it takes for the bike to pass by predetermined distances from a starting point will be logged. From this, one may compose a position verse time equation for each individual test done with a different tire pressure. This equation can be differentiated to make a position verses time (F(x)) equation which results in a velocity verse position (V(x)) equation. If observed with a constant velocity, the velocities of the different trials after differentiation can be compared. This will result in a comparison between the different PSI’s to show which of the tested values would allow for the greatest velocity. If looked at with acceleration, one may then derive the V(x) equation to create an acceleration verses time equation (A(x)). Optimizing this would show what the potential maximum velocity would be for that given PSI, and would show at what tire pressure the bicycle would reach its maximum velocity.

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