Milestone 1 - Using Mathematical Modelling to Create a Continuous Simulation of a Bicycle

Embedded below is the finalised Milestone 1 report that documents the research completed to date.  The size exceeds the 20 page guideline but is justifiable considering the volume of work completed.  Pertinent details of the more verbose aspects of project development have also been included, but in a reduced format.

Using Mathematical Modelling to Create a Continuous Simulation of a Bicycle

Assessment of Bicycle Physics and Mechanics and their Usage within a Continuous Simulation

This paper signifies the ending of the initial research stage and describes how each component within a bicycle will be used within the simulation.  This data can then be used in the other functions in order to correctly and up to a point, accurately, model the bicycle.  The paper documents real world physics that would act upon the object and then how to determine the outcome.

In addition to this paper, the earlier papers have been updated to indicate the new style adopted in this project.

Assessment of Bicycle Physics and Mechanics and Their Usage Within a Continuous Simulation

Following the completion of this paper, the following task will be to compile the work done so far and document it in readiness for handing in the first milestone.  

Project Meeting - 04/11/11

During this weeks project meeting, several topics were covered. With regard to the structure of the reports being generated, I was advised to consider utilising a 3rd person writing perspective.  This style is usually found in scholarly articles but can be difficult to achieve without making the article difficult to read.  Once I feel that I am competent in this style, the the previous reports could be re-written.

I have explained that the report into software development platforms and languages will be completed by the next meeting and have decided to begin looking at researching specific bicycle mechanics and how to map those onto the project.  I will also begin looking at advanced RK4 methods that can be used for the bicycle integration and spring systems within the shock absorbers.

The presentation was finally completed in this session, with Dr Paul Angel as the secondary supervisor.  I feel the presentation went well and have been given constructive feedback.  Dr Angel has indicated that I should look into constraint modelling as soon as possible as it may be one of the more technical and time consuming aspects of the project.

Edit 1: This post was typed the evening of the meeting but not posted until later due to some error.  Many of the things discussed here have already been completed and posted.  Edit to explain continuity errors.

Research and Feasibility Assessment of Constraint Modelling for use in the Continuous Simulation of a Bicycle

One of the core research topics to be considered in this project was how to accurately model the bicycle and ensure that it moved appropriately.  As constraint modelling is such a large field, a feasibility study was undertaken to consider the implications for the project should such a complex system be created.  The report below documents the findings of this research and presents its conclusions.

This report has been developed in a new style and structure that is hopefully easier to read and understand and more professional in content.

The report can be opened in full screen or zoomed.

Research and Feasibility Assessment of Constraint Modelling

Assessment and Evaluation of Software Development Platforms and Languages

Below is a brief report documenting my findings as I evaluated several different development languages and platforms.  This is far from a scholarly article and merely serves to illustrate my personal choice and the reasoning behind it.  As before, the document can be zoomed or viewed in full screen.

Assessment and Evaluation of Software Development Platforms and Languages

Assessment of Mathematical Integration Methods for use in Continuous Simulation

Below is an embedded version of the first report to be generated throughout the course of this project.  The report discusses several methods of integration before coming to a conclusion of which will be used in the application.  Conversion from .docx to Google Docs may have altered the layout slightly.  If you have difficulty in viewing the document, then choose full screen or zoom in from below.

Assessment of Mathematical Propulsion Methods for Use in Continuous Simulation

Project Meeting - 27/10/11

This weeks meeting was quite light as there seemed little to discuss due to the project moving ahead steadily.  The second supervisor was discussed and as the post has yet to be assigned at such a late stage we have decided to progress anyway and consider doing the presentation with just a single supervisor.

As per the previous instruction, I have delivered the completed weightings and discussed these with the supervisor.

The remainder of our meeting was taken up with discussing current progress.  I have informed the supervisor that work is progressing well but has slowed slightly as I encounter difficult research topics.  I have set a target that by the next meeting I will have three completed research papers.

Edit 1: I have spent some time asking around the University and have secured Dr Paul Angel as my second supervisor.  he has agreed to be present at the next meeting so that I can deliver my presentation.

Edit 2: After careful consideration, I have decided to aggregate the research papers into a single file and then evaluate the outcomes of each before reaching conclusions, this can then be modified to form a large part of my first Milestone.