This Weird Wavy Edge Might Reduce Track Bike Drag (CFD Tested)

Can a “whale-inspired” wavy leading edge actually make a track bike fork faster?In this episode of Premier Aerodynamics, we break down a new CFD paper that tests tubercle-style waviness on a fork-like element—and explains the physics behind any drag change (vortex shedding, wake structure, and unsteady forces).✅ What you’ll learn in this breakdown:• What “tubercles” / wavy leading edges are (and why they’re used in aero)• What the paper modeled for indoor track cycling conditions• What changes in the wake when the leading edge becomes wavy• Why simulation fidelity matters (RANS vs LES) and what each can miss• What “a few percent” means in real marginal-gains terms—and what it doesn’t meanLearn CFD / Aerodynamics✅ OpenFOAM Courses: https://premieraerodynamics.com/Courses/✅ Automotive Aerodynamics Course: https://premieraerodynamics.com/Automotive-Aerodynamics/✅ RC Airplane Design & Build Course: https://premieraerodynamics.com/RC-Airplane-Course/Work with me🚗 Car CFD Simulation Commissions: https://premieraerodynamics.com/Simulate-Your-Own-Car/Community💬 Free Discord (CFD + aero discussion): https://discord.gg/QajxVpmYMQ📄 Paper link (open access):https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pamm.202400178, Numerical investigation of drag reduction effects on a track bicycle fork using wings with a wavy leading edge, licensed under: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⏱️ Chapters:00:00 The “wavy edge” idea (and why it might work)02:20 What the study tested03:30 CFD approach16:30 Key results: drag + force fluctuations20:00 What this means for real bikes (and limitations)💬 Question for you:If you could redesign ONE bike component for aero gains (fork, bars, wheels, helmet), which would you pick—and why?👍 If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share—weekly research breakdowns + aero simulations.#TrackCycling #CyclingAero #CFD #Aerodynamics #VortexShedding #MarginalGains