12-01-2011, 12:31 PM
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Tushar Kiran
Third year (Mechanical)
Aerodynamics in Cars
Aerodynamics is itself a part of fluid dynamics, which is the study of the properties of a solid object displace a fluid such as air.
For the performance of a typical passenger car, aerodynamics is an important consideration in the achievement of maximum fuel economy, as well as in creating auto body styling that is visually appealing.
Terms to Know- Aerodynamics
Fluid
Mass
Aerodynamics
Drag
Lift
Rear Suction
Down Force
Frontal Area
Fluid
Air-
Is a type of fluid such as water that can be directed or displaced;
Has mass and is measured in terms of pressure;
Applies direct and frictional forces to objects in motion;
Principles
One should be aware of four aerodynamic principles-
Drag
Lift/Down Force
Drag Coefficient
Frontal Area
Drag
Drag is a combination of two forces that will work against the acceleration of your car.
Frontal Pressure occurs when tiny molecules of air hit the front of your car and is forced away to make room for other molecules to hit it.
Rear Suction occurs when an empty pocket of air is created in the back of your car resulting in a vacuum cleaner effect that tries to pull your car backward.
Lift and Down Force
Lift is similar to rear suction in that a thin empty pocket occurs as air passes over a flat surface causing the car to lift.
Down Force is due to high pressure in curved surfaces that causes the car to be pushed down.
Drag Coefficient
Drag Coefficient is a way of expressing how slippery a car is.
The drag coefficient (CD) is a measure of the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency.
