Aerodynamics

Designing an aerodynamic car

What does Aerodynamic mean?

The study of the flow of air around and through an object in motion or stationary The shape of an object affects the flow of airAerodynamic=Cuts through the airNot-Aerodynamic=Resists air

Aerodynamic?

Aerodynamic?

Aerodynamic?

Aerodynamic?

Aerodynamic?

Aerodynamic?

What's Similar?

Aerodynamic=Faster

Higher SpeedsLight cargo weights relative to the size of the vehicleCan something be TOO Aerodynamic?

YES!!!

What’s Similar?Heavy Cargo weight relative to the size of the vehicle

Principles of Aerodynamics

Drag Frontal Pressure Rear Vacuum/Flow Detachment Turbulence

Lift Drag Coefficient

Drag

The force acting in opposition to the direction of movementDrag is comprised primarily of two forces, Frontal Pressure and Rear Vacuum (Flow Detachment)

Caused by air attempting to flow around the front of the carAir molecules hit the car, creating high pressureThe molecules will naturally flow to low pressure areas Top, bottom and sides of the car

Caused by the "hole" left in the air as the car moves forwardThis force pushes towards the car in all directionsThe Rear Vacuum creates TurbulenceAn aerodynamic car LIMITS turbulence

Cars generate low pressure and drag all over the car’s body“Boxy” cars generate more downforce and dragThus, having a higher Drag Coefficient

Drag Coefficient

A measure of a how aerodynamic a car will be All cars produce drag The goal is to limit drag, turbulence and

downforce

The shape of a car is largely responsible for how much drag the car has.

HintsIdeally, the car body should: Have a small grill, to minimize frontal

pressure. Have minimal ground clearance below the

grill, to minimize air flow under the car Have a steeply raked windshield to avoid

pressure build up in front Have a converging "Tail" to keep the air

flow attached Have a slightly raked underside

What to do now…

Create an “Aerodynamics” folder on your CAD numberGo online, research car body stylesLook for body styles that are aerodynamicFind 5 pictures of cars that possess good aerodynamic qualities Save these pictures in your “Aerodynamic”

folder