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