[NeilBlanchard]

Stromlinien | Beitrag | Mercedes-Benz Oldtimer-Newsticker

Already around 100 years, the first developers to make thoughtful drag. Some of creation is rooted only in "perceived" values. Some stylistic faux pas, as well as design icons are from the attempt to create a streamlined vehicle emerged.

On 24 January the special exhibition "Power Line" at PROTOTYPE with a symposium on the various aspects of the "struggle against the invisible element.
The exhibits have never been shown in an exhibition and are worth a visit if only. As keynote speaker of the proven aerodynamics could be obtained expert and author of numerous books on design Ralf JF Kieselbach.

Although the origins can be dated not just academic: even before the year 1910 - and thus about 100 years ago - began the first research to fight the air resistance in the automotive industry. In small workshops across minded designers created bizarre shapes, which were ridiculed by the industry. It was not until 1915, when the aviation pioneer Hans Grade presenting his most streamlined small car, the aerodynamics of the vehicle gradually grew to serious science.
The Peace Treaty of Versailles, which forbade the practice in Germany, construction of aircraft, in 1919 came to a sudden the wind Talent Jam researchers. Many of them devoted themselves henceforth the flow line on wheels, the first thought in racing feeder. Higher speeds with identical engine power: For road vehicles, this equation was not asked initially. Because this was still lacking the appropriate transport network - as well as the pleasure of the audience at the aesthetics of the drop shape.
It was not until the emergence of the expressways and revolutionary developments - such as the invention of the demolition of rear - established in the late thirties, the drag reduction as a constructive principle. Up to 40 percent more top speed at reduced fuel consumption by one third, namely that such impressive levels were similar special body over traditional structures. The postwar period brought the final breakthrough of the "current form" in the series vehicle production.
Yet it took until early in the sixties, that lessons from the wind tunnel - another invention around 100 years old - have been consistently used for the design of new models. For about 25 years, the fluid mechanical optimization of the body is regarded as self-image. Groundbreaking design, lower fuel consumption: This high current demands make the aerodynamics today a more important factor than ever. However, even in the year 2009 does not even offer the most streamlined Series cars less aerodynamic drag than the brilliant pioneer forms from the twenties.
With a special exhibition in the world yet appreciates the unique volume collection PROTOTYPE
in Hamburg's port city, the evolution of the aerodynamics and their great creator. In addition to the permanent collection of vehicles of more than 20 rare and never before issued automobiles is presenting the chronology of the current Form D show as impressive as many historical documents, photographs and study models. The collectors, archives and the automotive industry generously supported the exhibition is to be admired, even a working wind tunnel.
As the oldest vehicle in the grade cars will be on display from 1920 to latest exhibit is the
World Record Car Mercedes-Benz C 111/III, 1978 with the 230-hp diesel engine over 325 km / h
quickly ran. Other highlights: Wanderer Streamline (1938), comb-Wagen (1938), Goliath GP 700
(1952), Adler Highway 1938, Alfa Romeo 6C streamline (1939), DKW Fachsenfeld seater (1928)
and Porsche 356 Gmünd (pre-series, 1949).