Arguably, the ride is bumpy, but how do Reuleaux triangular wheels (with central axle) on a flat surface do in regard to smooth velocity?
-----Original Message----- From: math-fun [mailto:math-fun-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of James Propp Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 7:19 AM To: math-fun Subject: [math-fun] Constant velocity implies round wheels?
This question (in a square-wheeled-tricycle vein) is probably easy, but I haven't had any coffee yet so it's not easy for me!
If you want a tricycle with wheels of some shape, riding on a terrain of some shape, so that turning the pedals with constant angular velocity (relative to the pedal-axle) imparts constant linear velocity to the rider, must the wheels be round and the terrain be flat?
On a square-wheeled tricycle, the forward speed of the tricycle varies; this is one reason why the ride does not feel as smooth as one might like.
Jim Propp _______________________________________________ math-fun mailing list math-fun@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/math-fun