Method for determining the aerodynamic moment of resistance of a wheel

1. A method for determining the aerodynamic moment of resistance M aero-EM of a wheel arranged on an axis, by measuring the value of the mechanical power P m to be applied to the wheel in order to maintain it in rotation at a constant speed ω, wherein the wheel is equipped with a rotational-drive means and with a device for picking off and/or recording the numerical values of the mechanical power and of the rotational speed, comprising:

protecting the wheel by a removable cap,

constantly subjecting the wheel to a flow of air,

picking off the mechanical power P m applied to the wheel and the rotational speed ω of the wheel,

inputting the picked-off measurements of rotational speed co and of mechanical power P m of the wheel into the following mathematical formula:

P m =ω( M aero-EM +M f )  (I)

where

P m represents the mechanical power needed to keep the wheel in rotation at a constant speed,

ω represents the rotational speed of the said wheel,

M f represents the value of the moment of friction of the hub of the wheel, and

M aero-EM represents the aerodynamic moment of resistance of the said wheel.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the flow of air has a main direction substantially parallel to that of the wheel.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the flow of air has a main direction at an angle of between −40° and +40° with respect to that of the wheel.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the axis of the wheel remains fixed relative to the ground.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the flow of air has a speed identical to that of the rotational-drive means.

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the flow of air has a speed different from that of the rotational-drive means.

7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the wheel comprises at least one means of holding the wheel suspension.