Revolutionary Nano Gears: The Potential of Megaten Speed Bicycles

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter h.g.Whiz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gear Sketch
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theoretical construction of nano gears for megaten speed bicycles, which could revolutionize cycling speed. It posits that if the last gear's radius is 10,000 times smaller than the first gear, significant speed increases could be achieved, contingent on the angular acceleration at the pedals. The conversation highlights existing nano gear technology, referencing Swiss watches as examples of miniaturization, while also addressing the practical limitations of friction heat and inertia affecting gear integrity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gear mechanics and ratios
  • Familiarity with angular acceleration concepts
  • Knowledge of material science regarding friction and structural integrity
  • Basic principles of bicycle dynamics and performance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and application of nano gears in mechanical engineering
  • Explore the principles of angular acceleration in cycling
  • Investigate material properties that withstand high friction and inertia
  • Learn about advancements in bicycle gear technology and their implications
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, mechanical designers, cycling enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of bicycle technology and performance optimization.

h.g.Whiz
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Suppose that it was possible to construct gears smaller than ones of modern ten speed bicycles(nano gears) and suppose your chain or belt could turn them and withstand the friction. First gear of course would be the same as a modern ten speed in order to get it moving. If the last gear's radius was 10,000 times smaller than the first gear how fast could this megaten speed bicycle travel
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How big are the wheels, how much force can the person push down on the pedals?

You can find it if you know the angular acceleration at the pedals.
 
Last edited:
It's certainly already possible to make gears way smaller than those in a bicycle; try dissecting a Swiss watch sometime. (And they have made nano-gears, but there's no immediate commercial use for them.)
The only theoretical limits that I can think of when it comes to a gear train show up when either the friction heat or the inertia overcome the structural integrity of the gears and cause them to fail.
As for the practical limits, Cyrus has it covered.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Why do bicycle gears make pedaling easier or harder?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
10K
High School Information traveling faster than light
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Misc. Bicycle Design (Individual Project)
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Writing: Input Wanted Turning an interstellar ship around before reaching coasting speed?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Circular motion: bicycle moving in a circle. Find speed given r and degree
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Perpetual Motion Machine: Jared Andrew Ashby's Creation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Are space fighters really impossible in realistic Sci Fi?
  • · Replies 112 ·
4
Replies
112
Views
23K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
6K
Graduate What is the Twin Paradox and how does it illustrate time dilation?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Writing: Input Wanted Generation Ship SFV Exodus: Revised Designs
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
8K