GIROSCOPIC BIKE
The
students get on a motorbike which is attached to the floor using a
special support system which allows it to lean sideways. An electric
motor is connected to the front wheel and is controlled by the
accelerator. When the wheel is still, the bike can not remain upright,
but when the motor is started, the gyroscopic forces come into play -
this is when we see the ability of the rider!
KINEMATIC PUT INTO
PRACTICE
How does the engine power the rear wheel? This workstation
is dedicated to answering this question as simply and clearly as
possible while having fun! The machine is used by teams: two youngsters
use the pistons, while another changes the gear ratios. By using the
Ducati Corse data acquisition system, it is possible to view the engine
rpm, the maximum speed achieved, and the distance covered. The team that
works the best together will be the winners.
X-MOTO: MUTANT BIKE
A
mutant motorcycle, half bike and half bicycle, brings the GP section of
physics to a close, introducing the students to the concepts of torque
and output using intuitive methods. Students have to climb onto the
X-Moto and pedal while a display shows the torque and the power output,
second by second. A torque and output curve graph will also be traced
for each student. Which team will be the Physics MotoGP champion?
