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Old 11-11-2009, 07:57 PM   #49 (permalink)
aerohead
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mass

Quote:
Originally Posted by itsmedc View Post
The fairings for the wheels I get; and I see the additional lower fairings/fins but not clear on their purpose.
Not understanding what you mean by "aerodynamic "mass"".
itsmedc,that's a good question,here's my best shot.

When viewed from the side,the trailer front has more "frontal" area ahead of the axle than behind it with the trailer's rear.
Also,because of the ever-increasing tumblehome as well as downsweep of roof, upsweep of diffuser,and sides and roof melding into each other at the very back,the drag coefficients are different between the front and rear of the trailer.
To keep the center-of -pressure behind the C.G. I need some "fin" area,to increase the aerodynamic "mass"of the trailer body the air will see for yaw control in crosswind and side gusts.
This is what Dr.Morelli came up with for directional stability with his CNR concepts developed at Pininfarina.
Hope that helps,gotta go Al
s closing.
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