Mythbusters tests "golf ball" dimples

[NeilBlanchard]

Admin note: 2 threads got started on this topic. Another discussion is here: Mythbusters "tests" efficiency of dimples vs. smooth, and clean vs. muddy car

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Hi,

Yet another interesting test of an aerodynamic effect by Mythbusters (with video):

VIDEO: Mythbusters test golf ball-like dimpling effect on fuel economy (*Spoiler Alert!*) — Autoblog Green

[ChrstphrR]

Hard to dispute their method and testing.

Makes me want to go out and get a Volkswagen Golf ... or *make* one

[Christ]

No, it's actually quite easy to dispute it. Go read the other thread on this same topic.

[ChrstphrR]

By the other thread, you mean the one about the perforated vinyl film?

Apples and oranges, Chris.

Adam and Jamie ran each test 5 times through for each variable, took measurements, using a reproducible method. They did take care to try and control other factors to isolate the effect they were looking for:

- Separate fueling systems for the measured interval
- Measuring/weighing the alternate fuel supply to determine consumption
- Only measuring the above at a constant, uniform speed each run
- Measuring across the same length of road for all runs

What was elided from the show, that may show any major or minor variations:
- Actual run data not published for all to see (sure looked like they recorded it, though)
- It's not known what the weather/wind speed and direction were, and if that fluctated, which could perturb testing runs

Atop that, they ran through models to see if there was an effect appreciable enough to bother testing full scale.

What are you actually trying to poke holes in, with what they presented?

[shovel]

I think it's just human nature, law of conservation. It's easier to criticise than create.

[bgd73]

if they sprayed the car with aluminum mud (? just saying)
I wonder what would happen..
the point is cars are on rubber wheels, they use every inkling of their bodies for dispersal of energy created. all powers from coil, nuclears (never ever say never)from combustion, moleculars, hertz from the generators, and wiper motors and heaters, and...well that is my point.

a freshly high grade urethaned automobile respecting the cars system of origin will do as good as it can.

and for the golf ball thing..moving air as fast as possible to back to where it came from (a car plowing through the air) is as smart as it gets. That needs smooth. to our eyesight anyway. in reality, it is simply "micronically bumpy".
I fell for the golf ball dimple thing with a pc fan, the only benefit was demanding more draw because the fan was too light for the air (cheap product). I ended up reverting to the classic large paddled design that has been there since my first computers. It is all a crock.

including skirtings on the bottom of cars.

concerns for aero? you need a drivetrain. you need better bearings, higher grade grease, and better dispersal of energy created. aero is a silly product after conquering the other things. I sincerely mean it...

[KJSatz]

Originally Posted by bgd73

concerns for aero? you need a drivetrain. you need better bearings, higher grade grease, and better dispersal of energy created. aero is a silly product after conquering the other things. I sincerely mean it...

I'm not sure how you can look at the results people like basjoos have had and say that. Unless I misunderstand you.

[ChrstphrR]

So much for the kook-free thread... might as well let the HHO-philes pile on in now. :P

[PaleMelanesian]

Originally Posted by KJSatz

I'm not sure how you can look at the results people like basjoos have had and say that. Unless I misunderstand you.

Exactly what I was going to say.

[botsapper]

Ecomodders want more performance...from dimples. The golf industry knows when you have a good thing & wants more distance & less drag... just add more dimples!!!
Power Distance Golf Balls - The Freak - Best Golf Ball for Distance from Top-Flite Golf