Degrees of freedom of "simple bicycle"

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on modeling a simple bicycle as a system with degrees of freedom. Initially, it is proposed that a bicycle has one degree of freedom due to the rigid connection between the two wheels. However, when accounting for the ability of the wheels to turn left or right, the total degrees of freedom increase to three. Additionally, the angle of the bicycle relative to the vertical must be considered, further complicating the model. The generalized coordinates are essential for accurately defining the system's behavior.

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  • Understanding of degrees of freedom in mechanical systems
  • Familiarity with rigid body dynamics
  • Basic knowledge of generalized coordinates
  • Concept of rolling without slipping
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Students in mechanical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of simple mechanical systems like bicycles.

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Homework Statement
Design a very simple model for a bike and state the number of degrees of freedom
Relevant Equations
Generalized coordinates
Hi
I thought that a bike could be simply modeled as two wheels attached by a rigid bar. If the wheels move without sliding, then there is one degree of freedom: one of the wheels moves and so does the other one since they are rigidly attached by the bar. Then, if the wheels can turn to the right or the left, then there are two more degrees: one angle for each wheel.
Is it ok?
 
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in general case the rolling disk (without slipping) has three degrees of freedom
just for information
Screenshot from 2021-04-17 09-41-32.png
Screenshot from 2021-04-17 09-41-58.png
 
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Like Tony Stark said:
Homework Statement:: Design a very simple model for a bike and state the number of degrees of freedom
Relevant Equations:: Generalized coordinates

if the wheels can turn to the right or the left
It would be unusual for the rear wheel to be able to turn away from the line of the bicycle.
 
haruspex said:
It would be unusual for the rear wheel to be able to turn away from the line of the bicycle.
So should I consider just one degree of freedom?
 
Like Tony Stark said:
So should I consider just one degree of freedom?
As @wrobel points put, you also need to consider the angle the bicycle makes to the vertical.
 

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