Reply to "Car Talk Puzzler: Course Measurement Data Edition"

mikesandfordMember

I think it likely that the wheel only spins backwards and not forwards, due to the asymmetric airflow.
It seems plausible that there is a greater down draft nearer the centre line of your car, due to the air curling down after passing over your car roof.
The half of the front wheel that is furtherest from the centre line, may have less down draft as the air curls in from the sides.
The net force would thus be a down force on the back half of the front wheel causing it to rotate backwards.
Interestingly if you turned the bike on the rack so the front wheel was on the other side of the car, the asymmetric flow still gives backwards rotation!
I think you would have to mount the bike upside down to get forward rotation - Ah... the endless possibilities for experimentation to test theory.....

5/2/176:59 AM

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