Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post

theycallmeebryan · 05-15-2009, 04:57 PM

Just a general question about aerodynamics. Here, im referring to the general teardrop shape.

Is smaller frontal area more important than keeping the front curve smooth over the guts of the vehicle?

I am working on a new fairing design for my kawasaki ninja 250. I am wondering if it would be more beneficial to keep frontal area small, or should the fairing extend out past the handlebars? It seems as though a full exterior fairing is what most people aim for (looking at HPV designs).

Furthermore, is there some sort of equation or rule for figuring out the best front curve angle (length vs width)? Is it better to have a perfect semicircular front (from a top down view)

05-15-2009, 04:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
theycallmeebryan Master EcoModder Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 389 2003 Ninja EX250 - '03 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 90 day: 78.57 mpg (US) Saturn - '99 Saturn SL1 Base 90 day: 47.27 mpg (US) Thanks: 25 Thanked 59 Times in 38 Posts	Frontal Area vs Frontal Curve Smoothness Just a general question about aerodynamics. Here, im referring to the general teardrop shape. Is smaller frontal area more important than keeping the front curve smooth over the guts of the vehicle? I am working on a new fairing design for my kawasaki ninja 250. I am wondering if it would be more beneficial to keep frontal area small, or should the fairing extend out past the handlebars? It seems as though a full exterior fairing is what most people aim for (looking at HPV designs). Furthermore, is there some sort of equation or rule for figuring out the best front curve angle (length vs width)? Is it better to have a perfect semicircular front (from a top down view)