Interesting free lecture in Sheffield next Monday.
Ray
09 March 2009 The David Allen-Booth Memorial lecture - Physics and materials in motorbikes: are we reaching the limits? Public and family Read more
Motorbikes (and bicycles) are very stable when moving but tend to fall over if stationary. Over the years sports motorbikes have become progressively lighter, and in the case of the MotoGP machines, have smaller engines than previously, yet still develop more power and torque year on year. Unfeasible speeds round corners can be reached by utilising physics, novel ideas in materials and rider techniques. This talk explores the relationship between very fast motorcycle riding, classical physics, and the new materials increasingly being used on every day machines. We look at why motorbikes do not fall over when going round corners, how the laws of classical physics can apparently be broken at speed, and how to use classical physics to keep a two wheel vehicle upright when actually (almost) stationary.
This lecture is free. To reserve a place contact Linda Bray on 0114 2254870 or e-mail
science-week@shu.ac.uk Venue
Pennine Lecture Theatre, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus
Date and time
Monday