Vortex Generators
Aerodynamics takes a turn for the better
3 Sixty Degrees uses its proprietary vortex generators across its entire wheel range. They work in exactly the same way as those on an aircraft wing. Placed precisely on a pre-determined point of the wheel, these vortex generators change laminar (high friction) airflow to turbulent (lower friction) airflow.
This improves our wheel’s performance in three ways:
• the airflow across the wheel's profile does not slow down and produce drag caused by friction
• the turbulent airflow remains attached to the wheel profile much longer than laminar airflow and allows the 'Quantum' and 'Vector' wheel's unique airfoil shapes to produce more 'lift'
• the airflow remains attached to the wheel profile at much steeper angles of attack (wind angles), making it perform better in a variety of wind conditions
The combination of 3 Sixty Degrees' vortex generators and airfoil shapes produces wheels with much lower drag as well as wheels (the 'Quantum' and 'Vector') that generate 'lift'. In cycling terms this translates into forward momentum, increased speed and less rider energy output.
How does it work?On a 3 Sixty Degrees wheel, the laminar airflow is 'tripped' as it passes over the precisely placed vortex generators and re-attaches to the wheel profile as fast moving turbulent airflow.
The computer modeling diagrams below demonstrate the change from laminar to turbulent airflow achieved by 3 Sixty Degrees wheels.
The blue path lines on the left diagram show how the laminar airflow moving from left to right is 'tripped' by 3 Sixty Degrees' proprietary vortex generator (centre of the image) and then re-attaches to the surface of the wheel as turbulent airflow (right side of the diagram).
The diagram on the right shows how the shape at the bottom of the vertical blue airflow lines (vectors) changes from a tight 'v' (left side of the image) to a pronounced 'bulge' as the airflow is ‘tripped’ by the vortex generator. At this point the airflow changes from 'laminar' to 'turbulent'. The pronounced bulge at the bottom of the vectors clearly shows a thin turbulent layer remaining attached to the wheel profile.
