Faraday's law + bicycle training

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the use of roller trainers for indoor cycling and their interaction with magnetic resistance units. Cyclists often enhance their trainers with magnetic resistance units that utilize Faraday's law, where the speed of the rollers correlates linearly with the resistance force generated. The conversation highlights the mechanics of these systems, particularly the role of magnets in creating resistance without direct mechanical contact. The user expresses interest in measuring the current through these units, acknowledging the complexity of the variables involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
  • Familiarity with magnetic resistance mechanisms in exercise equipment
  • Basic knowledge of electrical current measurement techniques
  • Experience with indoor cycling equipment and its components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Faraday's law in practical applications
  • Explore the design and functionality of magnetic resistance units in cycling trainers
  • Learn about measuring electrical current in magnetic systems
  • Investigate advanced indoor cycling training techniques and equipment
USEFUL FOR

Cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and engineers interested in the mechanics of indoor training equipment and the application of electromagnetic principles in sports technology.

traycerb
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Can anyone verify that I'm thinking about this situation correctly:

among cyclists, there exists a thing called a roller trainer, which allows cyclists (or anyone who wants a workout) to train indoors (eg when it's too cold out). It looks like this:

http://www.fact-canada.com/Tacx/Tacx%20Antares.jpg


These typically don't provide enough resistance to provide proper training, so resistance units are added. Usually they take the form of units that interface mechanically with the belt or roller somehow, but the cleverest ones are just magnets that ride behind the metal rollers (usually aluminum), which look like this:

http://www.sportcrafters.com/sportcraftersimages/resistanceunit.jpg

This is a case of a loop moving through a B field. And the relationship between speed (i.e. speed of the rollers at the point closest to the B field) and force (the resistance the unit provides) is linear, correct?

Any other comment or anything I'm missing? I have a set of these at home, and I'd be curious to know how much current is running through these, but I think I'd have too many not-trvially-measured unknowns.
 
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