vehicle aerodynamics

Vehicle Aerodynamics

Introduction

Aerodynamics deals with the movement of air that is related with moving entity . It is one of the main factors affecting vehicle performance Vehicle performance is based on its speed , stability , fuel consumption noise intensity , brake cooling , heat exchanger performance and the relief of passengers

The improvement of aerodynamics has given engineers to develop ways on how to control cars at low and high speeds . It also played a great role in improving the down force that aids airflow in the vehicle 's engine The down force

(Figure 1 ) is a key factor in evaluating vehicle performance V2 (Equation 1

where : D downforce , N

WS wingspan , m

H height , m

AoA angle of attack (Figure 2

F drag coefficient air density , kg /m3

V velocity , m /s Figure 2 . Relationship of Drag Coefficient vs . Angle of Attack

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Aerodynamics also contributes to the improvement of fuel economy . Fuel consumption depends on the speed of a vehicle to travel a certain distance . Improved aerodynamics can somehow decrease fuel consumption (Elliot-Sink , 2005

Since fuel is significant in vehicle performance , it is important to understand how vehicle aerodynamics can reduce fuel consumption of vehicles . It is essential for vehicle owners to reduce fuel consumption because of the continuous increase of fuel price in the world market

History of Vehicle Aerodynamics

The horse-driven carriages inspired the design of the self-propelled vehicles during the development of vehicle aerodynamics in 1900 . The design of the vehicle (figure3 ) is aerodynamic in nature because of the exposure of the driver and the passenger to air which increased the vehicles speed Figure 3 . Buick Model in 1905

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A torpedo-shaped vehicle was the first vehicle that was developed based on aerodynamic principle which is to have a low drag coefficient

The development of aerodynamic vehicles has increased having wheels built within the body which has lowered the vehicle and has produced a lesser aerodynamic drag . But the vehicles are still traditionally long but it has smooth body

In 1922 , Klemperer had experimented on measuring drag of vehicle 's half bodies of different shapes . After his experiment , he has come up to a low drag shape that is acceptable in car design

The state of the road had set boundaries in the design of the width of vehicles . The road in the earlier period was designed for horse-drawn carriages . To shorten the length of the vehicles , Kamm has discovered how to design a blunt front rear end of a vehicle Figure 4 . Opel GT 1969

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