Title: Evaluating Aerodynamics Through Different Vehicle Models
Abstract: Many people drive cars or want the experience of having the driving experience. Some may wonder why cars are shaped differently. If you have noticed, most cars have round edges with barely to no sharp ends. Either it is aggressive or it looks like a friendly car like a Mazda Miata. Cars are shaped in a specific way to be able to withstand turbulence or in other words, improve aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the understanding of an object moving through air and the interaction between the air and itself. With a Windtunnel, we were able to study how different shapes can affect the vehicle through different circumstances. Some results we have found is that, when a car wants to drive at a higher rate of speed, a smoother surface would be useful since the air around the car flows will keep the car on the ground. With this result, we were able to see how much less drag is produced which keeps the car moving at a steady pace. When we placed a vehicle with a sharper body shape, it was harder for it to have stability through the track and beat the optimal time due to air not being able to flow. In conclusion, we found out that a smoother body would help a car drive smoothly without getting much wind resistant.
Introduction: In the introduction, I plan to hook in my reader with relating to personal lives. Following along the lines of, “ Cars come in all shapes and sizes. But one similarity they share is that they are mostly rounded. One question you have probably asked yourself is why are they round? Well throughout this lab I will answer that question and give you an insight of the importance of Aerodynamics in vehicles.”
Materials & Methods: This section will explore how the wind tunnel helps manufacturers shape their cars. I will use sources from car brands and racing teams to explain the importance of the shape of the car and how aerodynamics affect the shaping of the car. I will use diagrams of simulations that were taken in wind tunnels that will be able to show how the air flows and disemburts throughout the vehicles.
Results: With the results I have found, I was able to conclude that a car with a rounder surface was able to travel long distances and have more stability than a vehicle with a rigid surface. What this means is that when you go buy a car take one with a round surface. You will experience less turbulence when on a drive. While having a smooth drive you will also have a more gas efficient car that will save you money.
Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Formula 1 Engineers that have been part of the study of aerodynamics since the 1950s. I would also like to thank, Constantinos Trochalidis, Michael J. Fuller, Deepak Nair, Phil Patton, and Patrick E. George.
Appendix:
When looking at the models. You can see that the sphere produces less drag. Now drag is the force that slows down the object during forward motion. Causing the object to slow down.
Downforce: A combination of air resistance and gravity that increases the vehicle’s stability.
This graph shows the relationship between speed and air resistance as a vehicle moves through
the air. This is measured through wind tunnel testing. And calculated with this formula
| Types of Vehicles | Cd (dimensionless) |
| Racing Car | 0.25 – 0.30 |
| Passenger Car | 0.30 – 0.60 |
| Convertible | 0.40 – 0.65 |
| Bus | 0.60 – 0.70 |
| Truck | 0.80 -1.00 |
| Tractor and Trailers | 1.25-1.35 |
| Motorcycle | 1.75-1.85 |
References:
George, Patrick E. “How Aerodynamics Work” HowStuffWorks, HowStuffWorks, 17 Mar. 2009, auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-economy/aerodynamics.htm.
Trochalidis, Constantinos. “The Effects of Aerodynamics On Cars” DriveTribe, DriveTribe, 29 Sept. 2019, drivetribe.com/p/the-effects-of-aerodynamics-on-S5nweq-XQASk_m9ebAmeBw?iid=OB8zwyFNSd6TlsZuJzTOJA.
Patton, Phil. “Edgy, Yet Still Aerodynamic” The New York Times, The New York Times, 19 Dec. 2008, www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/automobiles/21AERO.html.
Nair, Deepak. “Why Do Cars Have Rounded Corners and Ridges in the Bodywork?” Quora.com, 8 Aug. 2017, www.quora.com/Why-do-cars-have-rounded-corners-and-ridges-in-the-bodywork.
Mcintosh, Jil | January. “How It Works: Aerodynamics” How It Works: Aerodynamics, 7 Feb. 2019, driving.ca/auto-news/news/how-it-works-aerodynamics.
Jorgensen, Webster. How Better Aerodynamics Lead to Fuel Savings, 19 Jan. 2019, www.rtsinc.com/guides/how-better-aerodynamics-lead-fuel-savings.
https://what-when-how.com/automobile/body-shape-automobile/ (This website doesn’t have an author or date)
