Apparatus and methodology for smart trainer homologation analysis. (View Article)
Development of the cycling testing rig used for assessing cycling home smart trainer.
Introduction
Hello! I'm Teal Dowd, and I design and build solutions. My portfolio demonstrates my ability to take an idea from concept to reality, using skills ranging from CAD and 3D printing to electrical engineering and programming. I focus on rapid prototyping and delivering tangible results.
See my LinkedIn profile for my full professional history and to contact me, my ORCID record for my publications, or download my resume for a short summary of my qualifications.
I'm a Materials Engineering Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University (expected graduation 2025), but at heart, I'm a mechanical engineer who thrives on bringing solutions to life. My research focuses on the performance of lubricants for bicycle roller chains, where I've led the development of a testing rig to evaluate and improve drivetrain efficiency for high-performance cyclists. This project perfectly blends materials science, tribology, and mechanical engineering principles – a sweet spot for me. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue (2018), I transitioned seamlessly into doctoral research under Dr. Mansson in the Manufacturing Design Lab (MDLab). I'm driven by a passion for hands-on work, rapid prototyping, and a desire to build and test innovative solutions. Outside the lab, I enjoy the problem-solving challenges of rock climbing and other outdoor adventures.
Projects
Here are a some notable projects I have lead and contributed to. Work in progress, more coming soon!
Publications & Media
My research at Purdue University has led to various publications, patents, and other media coverage which are detailed below. I have worked as part of the Manufacturing Design Laboratory (MDLab), which shares my project with Purdue's Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center (RESEC) . My research has focused on the development and use of the cycling testing rig. This testing rig is used for the assessment of bicycling drivetrain efficiency, as well as testing the quality of home cycling smart trainers for homlogation purposes for the International Cycling Federation (UCI).
For a different view of my publications, see my ORCID record, or continue below.
Peer-Reviewed Publications & Patents
The following publications and patents showcase my contributions:
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Efficiency Degradation of Roller Chains for Cycling. (View Paper)
Demonstrates the change in bicycle drivetrain efficiency over time as the lubricant wears.
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Patent: Systems and methods for testing a bicycle training apparatus. (View Patent)
Main design engineer on the design and manufacturing of the cycling testing rig. This testing rig is used for my work on smart trainers and cycling drivetrain lubrication research.
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Development of a bicycle crank arm demonstrator via Industry 4.0 principles for sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing. (View Article)
Developed the testing apparatus used to validate the aluminum bicycle crank arm design.
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Smart trainer homologation system. (View Paper)
Presented the initial design of the cycling testing rig used for cycling smart trainer analysis.
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Homologation and Certification Approach for Smart Bike Trainers. (View Paper)
Presented the initial cycling testing rig data analysis methodology.
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Cycling and Sustainability: Development of a Recycled Carbon Fiber (rCF) Crankset Demonstrator. (View Paper)
Developed the testing apparatus used to validate the aluminum bicycle crank arm design. This was presented at the ISEA 2022 conference.
Media Highlights
Selected media appearances showcasing my work:
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Helping virtual cycling belong on the global stage Purdue University (View Article)
This article details our work at Purdue's Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center (RESEC), contributing to the development of a homologation system for virtual cycling to ensure fair competition. Our efforts are helping to pave the way for virtual cycling to become a recognized Olympic sport.
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Smart Trainer Standardization is Only Months Away, according to the UCI, The Zommunique: (View Article)
This article explores the UCI's upcoming smart trainer standardization initiative, developed to ensure fair competition in cycling esports by certifying trainer accuracy and wireless communication security. It highlights the implications of this project for the future of virtual cycling and its potential integration into major sporting events.
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Virtual Velo Podcast-Ep. 45: The Research Team Leading the UCI’s Smart Trainer Standardization Program The Zommunique: (View Article)
The Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center, including myself, were interviewed about the goals and impact of our research team's work in developing the UCI's Smart Trainer Standardization Program, crucial for the future of cycling esports and its potential inclusion in the Olympics.
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Are the Olympics going virtual? Purdue evens the playing field for virtual cycling Star City News : (View Article)
This news story features our contributions to the Purdue team working to standardize smart trainers for virtual cycling, with the goal of ensuring fair competition as the sport potentially debuts in the Olympics. It highlights the Virtual Cycle Homologation system and the potential for broader audience engagement.