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Predictive dynamic simulation of Olympic track cycling standing start using direct collocation optimal control

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Abstract

Much of the previous research on modeling and simulation of cycling has focused on seated pedaling, modeling the crank load with an effective resistive torque and inertia. This study focuses on modeling standing starts, a component of certain track cycling events in which the cyclist starts from rest and attempts to accelerate to top speed as quickly as possible. A ten degree-of-freedom, two-legged cyclist and bicycle model was developed and utilized for predictive dynamic simulations of standing starts. Experimental data including crank torque, cadence, and joint kinematics were collected for a member of the Canadian Olympic team performing standing starts on the track. Using direct collocation optimal control to maximize the simulated distance traveled, the predictive simulations aligned well with the experiments and replicated key aspects of the standing start technique such as the drive and reset. The model’s use in “What if?” scenarios presents interesting possibilities for investigating optimal techniques and equipment in cycling.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by McPhee’s Canada Research Chair in System Dynamics. Additional thanks to Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, Mike Patton and Will George of Cycling Canada, and the members of the Canadian track cycling team for their support and participation in experiments.

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  1. Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada

    Conor Jansen & John McPhee

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  1. Conor Jansen
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  2. John McPhee
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Correspondence to Conor Jansen.

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Jansen, C., McPhee, J. Predictive dynamic simulation of Olympic track cycling standing start using direct collocation optimal control. Multibody Syst Dyn 49, 53–70 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11044-020-09723-3

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