Measurement of Rolling Resistance Using an Eccentrically Weighted Oscillating Wheel

Abstract

A method is developed for measuring small changes in rolling resistance between different types of bicycle racing tires. The method described has been used specifically to assist in the choice of tires to be used on a special-purpose vehicle entered in an event where the aim is to use the least amount of fuel over a set distance. The rolling resistance is determined by considering the loss in energy when an eccentrically weighted pair of wheels is allowed to oscillate backwards and forwards on a level surface. The procedure was found to give repeatable results and was able to resolve the differences between a number of tires of low inherent rolling resistance. It is concluded that the oscillating wheel method is useful for determining rolling resistance losses in the laboratory and in the field and is able to resolve small changes in losses due to changes in the operating parameters.