Books about aerodynamics (Hucho, Barnard)

[MetroMPG]

The two I've seen referred to occasionally (by non-experts) are:

Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles: From Fluid Mechanics to Vehicle Engineering ([Proceedings] / SAE)
by by Wolf-Heinrich Hucho (Editor)

and



Road Vehicle Aerodynamic Design
by R.H. Barnard

I have Barnard's book. But from what I hear, the Hucho one is better (good luck finding it at less than $100-140).

[MetroMPG]

Thanks to a tip from Daox, I just bought a used copy of Hucho's book on eBay for $80, including shipping.

[personx]

let us know what you think of the book, please

[Daox]

I started reading Hucho's second edition. I only got halfway into the 2nd chapter when the book I meant to order arrived (the fourth edition). Keep an eye out if your purchasing. Just by flipping through it seems th 4th edition has a lot more content (918 pages vs 576) and is a lot more up to date. The second edition was published in 1987 vs the fourth edition in 1998. Here are the two.


Second edition




Fourth edition

[MetroMPG]

Hucho's 4th edition arrived yesterday.

Like I have time

But I've already skimmed the first couple of chapters and it's good stuff. It's already answered an outstanding question I had.

At some point, I'll post up some notes in this thread.

[Daox]

I've been spending what tiny bit of spare time I have reading it as well. Its amazing so far, tons of great info.

[Who]

Keep reading guys... I want to start turning my barn door into a spitball this summer and I'm hoping you'll be accessible experts.

[MetroMPG]

Spitball. That's funny, Who.

Am I mistaken thinking you weren't really interested in aero mods before? I seem to remember a conversation in the driveway when you came for a ride/drive in the ForkenSwift.

[Who]

Did I? Hopefully, your memory's far better than mine. Seeming how an otherwise lowly number like 30 MPG doing pure fairly slow highway has been so elusive, I really need all the help I can get (although pass it onto your parents that I'm not feeling quite so bad about my mileage after seeing their results).

Within reason, warranty limitations and practicality...

The grill and the hatch area are screaming for help. Down the road, 1¼" lower eibach springs would help and so would 215/85s instead of the 235/70s although they are a tad taller (6% same as the odo error) and they will probably be a fair bit heavier but the sidewall ratings are crazy high.

Some black VGs wouldn't look out of place on the roof... not at all.

[tasdrouille]

Would I be missing a lot over the 4th edition if I only read Hucho's 2nd edition? I'm asking cause I can borrow the 2nd edition for free at the local engineering school.